By Ken Valenti

WESTPORT–The Planning and Zoning Commission moved closer last night to deciding on a proposed text amendment that would allow a developer to create the required affordable units required for his project off site.

The proposal – text amendment 864 – centers on The Gables, a development at 785 Post Road East, which was approved for three affordable units. Richard Redniss, of Redniss and Mead land-use consultants in Stamford, has proposed an alternate plan to create one townhouse on the site as affordable housing, but then create five units for special needs residents in a house at 3 George Street, possibly with a qualified caretaker in an apartment over the garage.

The townhouse would be managed by Homes with Hope. Abilis, an organization that serves children and adults with developmental disabilities, would take over the George Street house.

Chairman Paul Lebowitz said in the virtual meeting last night that he had long been against off-site affordable housing unless it would benefit the town.

“But this is moving the needle,” he said. “I hear a lot of benefits to the town and not a lot of downside.”

In response to concerns about setting a precedent, Redniss explained that the text amendment was worded to limit similar requests and preserve the commission’s discretion in approving them.

The rule, for instance, could limit the number of qualifying projects by exempting any development that has already received its final Zoning Certificate of Compliance (ZCC). That would leave only two qualifying projects – at 785 and 1620 Post Road East, he said.

Commissioner Patrizia Zucaro urged caution in the ultimate wording.

“I think we need some time to work through the language,” she said. “No matter what you do, it’s going to be difficult not to set a precedent.”

As part of the plan, Redniss proposed removing a state criteria limiting developmental disability services to those with IQs below 70. The move would switch to a federal definition of developmental disability in place of the state’s, broadening the pool of individuals who could qualify.

Commissioner John Bolton argued that the commission members should not make rulings on medical issues beyond their expertise.

“You’re tampering with something we really have no business playing with,” Bolton said.

Another proposal on the table would convert an office space over the commercial space facing the road to two residential units – a request that received support from Commissioners.

The discussion filled the vast majority of the four-and-a-half hour hour meeting on Zoom, at the end of which the commissioners agreed to continue the discussion in a work session at its Feb. 23 meeting.

Ken Valenti

^{_{A career journalist and lifelong resident of the New York City region, Ken Valenti has enjoyed decades of reporting local, regional and national news in New York and Connecticut. Topics of special interest are development, the environment, Long Island Sound and transportation. When not reporting, he’s always on the lookout for the perfect coffee shop or used book sale.}}