By Kerri Williams

WESTPORT — At least one town commission isn’t likely to get a “break” this spring. 

With a heavy schedule of pending applications, including one that has the potential to transform a portion of town, Planning and Zoning Commission members face extra meetings in the coming weeks, with Thursday meetings planned in addition to an expanded Monday slate.

Commissioners currently have several open applications, including one that could pave the way to develop affordable housing on town-owned Baron’s South and another to build an indoor racquet sports center at the Fairfield County Hunt Club.

“Hamlet” casts giant shadow over schedule

And on March 10, commissioners are expected to begin hearings on an application that Commissioner Michael Calise called “humungous.” 

“Hamlet at Saugatuck” proposes sweeping redevelopment across sections of Riverside Avenue, Franklin Street and Railroad Place in the heart of Saugatuck to create a hub for commercial, residential and marina uses. The application piggybacks on the P&Z decision in late 2022 to re-zone the area after a series of lengthy — often contentious — hearings.

“This application has the ability to change the face of the area,” Calise said. “We will need to look at the greater picture.”

Calise went on to state his concern for having multiple pending applications awaiting P&Z action.

When are many meetings too many?

Even though some special meetings have already been added to the commission’s regular twice-monthly Monday meetings, some members suggested additional Thursday meetings may be needed.

Calise went a step further, saying that a “Thursday calendar” could be temporarily prepared so the public is aware of upcoming hearings.

But commission member Neil Cohn said he would rather not set a precedent for meetings on a different night.

“Once in a while in an emergency situation [is acceptable],” he said. “But at some point, this gets to be way too much.”

Commissioners are under some time constraints for pending applications. The timeline for special permit applications is: 65 days to open an application, 35 days to close it, and 65 days for the commission to make its decision, according to Michelle Perillie, the planning and zoning director. A 65-day extension to any of those timelines is permitted.

Meetings continuing into the wee hours of the morning are also discouraged. P&Z bylaws state that items of new business on the agenda cannot be taken up after 10 p.m., unless commissioners at the meeting vote to do so.

Baron’s South application gets “special” treatment

Already, the commission has scheduled some special Monday meetings and has one coming up this Monday, March 3, that includes the proposal to modify the Dedicated Open Space and Residential District classification for Baron’s South. If approved, it could allow five buildings on the open-space property to be adapted for affordable housing units.

Commissioners toured that location Tuesday to get a first-hand look at the buildings and property. Some commissioners have suggested the five buildings, including the “Golden Shadows” mansion, may not be in good enough condition to be easily — or financially — reconfigured, while others have pointed out that the project is an ideal way to increase the inventory of affordable housing in town.

The commission has also spent several recent meetings discussing a proposal to allow lighting to be installed at more of the town’s athletic fields. That text amendment was passed last Monday. Also pending is a special permit request for an indoor racquet sport facility at the Fairfield County Hunt Club.

A deep dive into “Hamlet” history

But the far most complex proposal, which commissioners on Monday considered adding to their schedule, is the “Hamlet at Saugatuck” application.

Commission Chair Paul Lebowitz suggested that members review the panel’s recorded hearings and deliberations on the text amendment from 2022, which paved the way for Roan Ventures to apply for the Hamlet project.

Lebowitz said he was halfway through listening to meetings, which he said has been “worthwhile to review” to understand how and why the new zone was created. 

He also suggested that members schedule a tour of the Saugatuck area following the March 10 meeting. 

Members then scheduled meetings on the following Mondays: March 3, 10, 24 and 31, with the possibility of a meeting Thursday, March 27. In April, Monday meetings are currently scheduled for the 7, 21 and 28^.

^{Kerri Williams is a freelance writer who has worked in journalism for years, including as a reporter for the Norwalk Hour and managing editor of the Norwalk Citizen-News.}