Editor’s note: following is an opinion submitted by Planning and Zoning Commissioners Michael Calise and Patrizia Zucaro.
Westporters, your presence is requested today, Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at noon via Zoom to share your input on an important issue regarding Saugatuck. To attend the meeting, click here.
Last July, Westport residents turned out in large numbers to oppose The Hamlet, a large-scale development proposed for the Saugatuck area. The Planning & Zoning Commission ultimately denied the application, reflecting clear community concerns about scale, traffic, parking, character, and waterfront access.
Yet the special zoning district created for that project — GBD/SM — remains in effect. This leaves the door wide open for a similar oversized application to be filed at any time on those parcels.
Two of us on the commission have urged our colleagues to act promptly to close this loophole by either repealing the special text amendment or rezoning the properties to a more appropriate district, such as standard GBD.
Regrettably, some commissioners continue to resist this interim protection. They cite the need for more study or raise objections; however, these objections are a red herring. While these issues matter for a final plan, they are irrelevant to immediately closing the loophole. Last Monday night, the Commission voted to refer the matter to a subcommittee. This step simply delays the process, as any recommendation will still need to return to the full board for action — and we do not need a subcommittee to address a temporary zone change.
Our residents deserve better. We can protect against an unwanted repeat of The Hamlet now, while carefully planning for the future of Saugatuck.
The time to close the gap is now. Please join the subcommittee meeting at noon via Zoom. Your input is greatly needed.
Michael Calise and Patrizia Zucaro
Commissioners
Westport Planning and Zoning Commission
Removing the GBD/SM (General Business District / Saugatuck Marina) is the correct move. The question is what zone should be laid down on this area. GBD (General Business District) is one option, it was the zone that existed prior to the Hamlet change. The other is GBD/S (Saugatuck), this is the zone that allowed for the Gault development that created the area for the Whelk and Match Burger Lobster with that great plaza.
This meeting, I don’t see as a delay, but allows for an open discussion to see what should be done. Time IS of the essence, but we need to make the right move. Either way, Spinnaker, who has come for two pre-application meetings, will be seeking a zone change for their project. What is on the table now from them for that area does not meet any zone, nor does their paltry offer of 10% affordable housing meet our desires or our requirement.
What’s left of the area that encompassed the Hamlet project, the land by the water, is really what is in question and needs the rezoning. That is the focus, the big block essentially comes along for the ride pending how we deal with Spinnaker plan.
Its to late for the 1.5 acres in pre-app now, they will get the 830g density they are asking for, just like felix did , but relatively quick. Daniele warned you. Great job!