Correction: the original filing has been updated. References to the Inclusionary Housing Overlay District have been added.

WESTPORT – After a long discussion, the Planning and Zoning Commission voted Monday to continue an application for a text amendment that would allow developers within Westport’s Inclusionary Housing Overlay District​ to move the affordable units away from the development.

The Inclusionary Housing Overlay District was established specifically to encourage developers to build a mix of market and affordable units in areas previously zoned commercial. 

Richard Redniss, who submitted Text Amendment 855 on behalf of the 13-unit Gables project at 785 Post Road East, told commissioners he will come back with a specific proposal for those offsite affordable units.

Redniss told the board that there is a two-family home in town that could be used for special needs or other affordable housing. “It’s in a very nice neighborhood,” Redniss said.

The change came after commissioners questioned the text amendment that has gotten push back from some town residents. 

“I don’t like the proposed text amendment,” Commissioner Breanne Injeski said. “I don’t see the benefit.”

Commissioner Michael Calise went further, agreeing with some residents who have said that the proposal would allow developers to build affordable units away from their upscale developments in less desirable locations in town. 

“One of my concerns is that you are setting up the scenario that leads to the other side of the tracks,” Calise said.

Chairman Paul Lebowitz said that in some instances there are good reasons for approving offsite affordable units but added that he was concerned about the text amendment, instead wanting each application to be a “one off.”

“They all need to rise and fall on their own merit,” Lebowitz said.

Redniss responded that the text amendment would allow commissioners to still look at each case individually, using several factors to determine whether the offsite units are “superior” to those that would be built onsite. Redniss noted that, in this instance, a text amendment is necessary, as offsite affordable units are not otherwise allowed in Inclusionary Housing Overlay District developments.

Both Lebowitz and commissioner Patrizia Zucaro said that the text amendment could be strengthened, requiring more from developers.

Several residents spoke out both for and against the proposal during the public hearing. “My feeling is that (the developer) knew the rules coming in,” said Dara Lamb, adding that commissioners should protect their power to zone.

Other residents spoke in favor of past offsite affordable projects, specifically one at 136 Riverside Ave. run by Abilis for individuals with special needs.

Diane Yormark, whose daughter lives in the Abilis home and works at a bookshop in town, said it is “such a blessing.” She pointed out that most special needs adults live below the poverty line.

Some commissioners noted that the text amendment in question does not mention special needs individuals. Commissioner John Bolton said that the applicant has suggested a “special needs theme when that’s not what it is. It’s a false premise.”

Kerri Williams

^{_{Kerri Williams is an award-winning writer and journalist. She has worked as a reporter at the Norwalk Hour, as Living editor at the Darien News-Review, and managing editor for the Norwalk Citizen-News. For Westport Journal, she is a reporter as well as a gardening columnist, writing “Cultivating with Kerri.” She recently published her first children’s book – “Mabel’s Big Move,” based on her daughter with special needs.}}