By Thane Grauel
WESTPORT — With mixed feelings, the Parks and Recreation Commission has forwarded a conceptual plan for Baron’s South Park to the Planning and Zoning Commission that will require a zoning change if implemented.
The future of Baron’s South being a hotly contested issue, about 75 people took part in the three-hour virtual Zoom meeting Wednesday night.
Many people weighed in, including current and former town officials. Many of the arguments — in favor and against — had been heard before.
“The Baron’s South has been controversial since it was purchased,” Parks & Rec Chair Charles Haberstroh said. “That’s not going to change.”
The commission looked at two conceptual plans for the property presented by the Parks and Recreation Department’s director Jennifer Fava.
The one recommended by staff and endorsed by the commission, “Plan A,” includes the creation of six pickleball courts on the northwest side of the park, near the Westport Center for Senior Activities, as well as a bocce court.
It would cost $2.2 million to $2.3 million, Fava said.
“Plan B,” which did not include the courts and thus would not require a zoning change to the property, is estimated to cost $1.8 million.
Both plans included creating accessible pathways and access to conform with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Many commenters expressed concern about asking the Planning and Zoning Commission to change the open space designation for a portion of the property near Imperial Avenue, saying it could lead to a domino effect threatening open space elsewhere.
Concerns about impervious surfaces, runoff, parking and noise also were mentioned.
Supporters talked about the need for more pickleball courts in town, as well as the need to spruce up Baron’s South.
“I do believe that it is a loss to the community that we are not making better use of the property,” said Jennifer Johnson, a former member of the Representative Town Meeting.
“I want Baron’s South to remain, in its entirety, passive open space,” said nearby neighbor Lisa Podurgiel .
Several years after a controversial and some believe abrupt decision was made by the P&Z to rezone the park as passive open space following a failed attempt to build affordable housing for seniors on the property, a special committee that includes many new members of the P&Z recently resuscitated the issue and is seeking to have it rezoned for heavier use.
There was some hesitation among Parks and Rec commissioners after the lengthy public input Wednesday night.
“I would feel a little more comfortable if we did have more discussion about this,” member Kate Boyle Kirby said. “I would like to hear more.”
Member Alec Stevens said he’d hate to drag the issue on, but he also felt the need for more information.
“If we don’t move this ahead, it’s dead,” Haberstroh said.
“If people had a better idea, we would have heard it tonight,” member Edward Iannone said of building more pickleball courts at this location.
In the end, Haberstroh, Iannone and Stevens voted to forward the plan to the P&Z, while Kirby abstained.
What occurred during last night’s PRC vote to approve the forwarding of their Proposal A to the P&Z Commission was a deplorable travesty that the entirety of Westport should take notice. While it was extremely gratifying to see so many Westport residents take the time (even remaining during the hurricane while their properties were being assaulted by rain, wind and flooding) to attend and become personally involved in an issue that has the potential to affect every Town resident – and will particularly impact the adjoining neighbors, how the PRC Chairman comported himself during the PRC vote discussion was disheartening at best.
The fact is that overwhelming those who spoke urged the PRC to slow down this process, take the time to gather more information, request alternative options, and prioritize the preservation of the historical structures on the Baron’s South property. Several speakers urged the PRC to implement the well designed 2017 proposal which was mysteriously not even being presented as one of the current options.
While there was near unanimous agreement for the need & support for a quality pickleball complex being constructed in Westport, there was NO compelling support for it being located on the Baron’s South property, nor any evidence presented this it warranted a hazardous and fraught rezoning which will be required for its construction at Baron’s South – and which has already intentionally resurrected the impassioned imbroglio that occurred a mere few years ago.
On the contrary, so many cogent and valid reasons to oppose the PRC Proposal A were presented at the meeting, including: the fact that it will result in the destruction of the historical structures, lack of sufficient fire access, necessity for state approvals to alter a state & scenic roadway, violating a purposeful designation of open space being in perpetuity, the dangerous precedent which could translate to carving out rezoning slivers in all other open space designated properties, our current dearth of open space, the adverse environmental impact construction will necessitate, asphalt runoff concerns, adverse impact upon future open space donations to Town, broken promises to residents & neighbors, and more.
What is particularly important is that Westport’s National Pickleball AmbassadorTom Lowrie, who even PRC Commissioner Kate Kirby recognized “eats and sleeps pickleball” articulated multiple reasons why Baron’s South is the inappropriate location for a Westport Pickleball Complex – including insufficient parking (there are only 15 spaces for 30+ automobiles), inadequate space for socializing and spectator viewing, lack of space for tournament play, absence of restroom facilities for players and spectators, traffic concerns, and the noise that will affect the adjoining neighborhood. In addition the lack of lighting will prohibit evening play. Mr. Lowrie further informed the PRC and the public that he had multiple alternative sites that would be better suited and less expensive than the Baron’s South property – and would not require the rezoning of an open space property.
The public testimony gave the PRC commissioners other than Mr. Haberstroh pause. In fact, Ed Iannone, Alec Stevens and Kate Kirby seriously questioned the appropriateness of Proposal A. Both Alec Stevens and Kate Kirby stated their discomfort with pushing Proposal A ahead, and instead articulated their desire to table the vote in order to gather more information. When Mr. Iannone asked what other viable alternatives for pickleball location existed, Mr. Haberstroh prevented the public from answering the question – I know that for a fact because he continually muted me AND blocked my video so that Mr. Iannone could not see me raise my hand. Mr. Haberstroh prevented Mr. Lowrie from articulating his preferred locations. Shameful.
Furthermore, when he realized that he did not have the votes to push Proposal A forward, Mr. Haberstroh began to bloviate and use his bully pulpit to cajole the other commissioners to vote his way. Perhaps the worst was quoted in photograph caption this article when he addressed PRC Commissioner Kirby’s request for more time to gather more information, he falsely stated – “If we don’t move this ahead, it’s dead.” That strong-arm inaccurate statement was despicable. The prudent thing to do would have been to table this vote until more information could be presented, until other pickleball locations could be transparently explored and presented, and until ALL the commissioners felt comfortable in their decision. Under obvious pressure, PRC Commissioner Kirby ended up abstaining while PRC Commissioner Stevens changed his mind and voted to support Mr. Haberstroh’s desire. What a despicable display and abuse of power – no wonder the public believes that all their time, effort, intellect, desires and advice are a waste of time. Why even bother attending when this kangaroo court is thusly maneuvered?
As many residents know, I have resided in Westport for 36 years, and am a staunch advocate for the sport of Pickleball. Like Tom Lowrie I want to help pickleball grow in Westport, and see that a quality pickleball complex is constructed in Westport – but one that the entire community will support and be proud of. Perhaps Baron’s South IS the best or only possible location – but as enumerated that location has a plethora of problems. The Milford pickleball complex is the gold standard Westport is hoping to emulate – Proposal A is nothing like Milford by a long shot. This requires further, transparent exploration and discussion with all interested parties working collegially together. What a unique concept for Westport.
I have been disparaged for speaking the truth, and am being blamed that I will be personally responsible for killing any possibility for pickleball courts being constructed in Westport. Really? Threats to silence the truth? We are better than that – the ends do not justify the means.
As a community, together, we should be able to do far better, and not be forced to settle for an imposed deficient plan that we will soon regret. We get only one opportunity to do this right. We owe that to ALL the residents in our Town.
Jay M Walshon MD FACEP
Jay, you are entitled to your opinion as is my friend, Tom. You have never represented pickle ballers although you claim you do. Tom is a fine man who I’ve known for20 years I respect his opinion, although that is also his opinion. In my 20 years in public service while public input at a particular meeting is worthwhile and I have always listened, it does not necessarily represent public opinion. You should have realized that in your advocacy of additional pickleball counts instead of bathrooms on Compo South beach. Three members of the racquets Advisory Committee spoke in favor of the proposal, a “truth” you conveniently omit from your commentary.
Charlie,
I really don’t believe this is the appropriate venue – but your anemic off topic assault speaks volumes and invites a reply. However verification from you that I am entitled to my opinion is hardly required, and your carefully chosen wording is obviously meant to disparage me in comparison to “your friend Tom” – who you know has been in complete agreement with me every single step of the way. (Neglected to mention that, right?)
20 years of public service is likewise irrelevant to your current behavior – which Town residents describe as “bullish” and “overbearing”. This is truly unfortunate, a disservice to the Town you have served for two decades, and an inimical discredit to your legacy. But of course, just my opinion.
However some points that you raise in your reply do deserve attention:
1. Stating that “public input at a particular meeting does not necessarily represent public opinion” is an oxymoron as “public input” by Town residents IS “public opinion”.
While it is true that opinions vocalized at meetings perhaps do not represent the sentiments of significant numbers of residents, or the majority, it is definitely true that the opinions of a few hand selected non-elected appointees doesn’t either – something that you repeatedly, intentionally and conveniently fail to recognize.
2. I did not advocate and testify for pickleball courts instead of bathrooms on Compo South Beach – and you know that. This is your intentional persistent disparaging mischaracterization.
What I, many RTM members, several P&Z commissioners, other Town officials, and a THOUSAND Westport residents advocated for was for you to merely move your while elephant, ill-designed, inherently dangerous South Beach toilet facility a mere 50 yards in order to retain and preserve the precious recreational land that you would be destroying. (Neglected to mention that, right?)
What I actually said: “This location will require the destruction of prized recreational space designated as the skate park and roller hockey center. This space is NOT a parking lot and NOT unused. For over 20 years this space has been used by children and families for inline skating, lessons, bicycling, free skating, family activities, P&R programs, EMS training, etc. It is a safe area for these activities because vehicles and parking has been prohibited since 1997. This proposed restroom will needlessly destroy this recreational space, thereby prohibit the current and any future family recreational activities. The general public has not been notified of this modification of use, and has not consented to this. The P&R did not apply for a modification of recreational use to construct building in its place.” (Neglected to mention this, right?)
Even the Staples High School League of Boys Cycle Club (SLOBS) – where annually they taught learning disabled children ages 6-13 who wanted to learn to ride a bicycle was displaced due to your white elephant restroom’s choice of location. (Neglected to mention that, right?)
3. Finally, you asserted that “Three members of the Racquets Advisory Committee spoke in favor of the proposal, a “truth” that you conveniently omit from your commentary.” This is the typical and anticipated spin we have unfortunately become all too accustomed to.
The RAC is comprised of members hand chosen by you and Mr. Marpe rather than by theTown residents or even by the racquets community – that in itself says a lot. In addition, they had decided to support whatever you told them to support BECAUSE people have been told that the Baron’s South location is the location that you and the P&Z have been discussing and will consider for a pickleball facility. At the last RAC meeting “your good friend Tom” was even prepared to present several better alternative locations but at your “behest” was denied the opportunity by your RAC committee membership. (Neglected to mention that, right?)
However, even with the RAC being your hand-chosen proxy, they DID NOT state that your Baron’s South location was the only location, the best location, or that it was the location that they actually supported. As I recall, David Acselrod and Ward Doonan both merely articulated the recognized truth that the sport of Pickleball is growing exponentially underscored the need for additional courts in Westport. Contrary to your statement, they did not profess support for this specific proposal.
I reserve further comment on this issue at this time in this venue, except to conclude with this:
The best location for a quality pickleball facility, and rezoning Baron’s South, are separate distinct issues. I hope one day we will have meaningful discussion about these two issues in the comprehensive, representative and transparent fashion it deserves.
Again just my opinion.
Jay M Walshon MD FACEP