By Ken Valenti

WESTPORT–The Planning and Zoning Commission spent much of its meeting last night talking not about density, traffic or height limits, but on a question not usually addressed by land use experts – how to define a person who has special needs.

The decision impacts a key aspect of a proposal by the developer of The Gables at 785 Post Road East to create required affordable units on another property.

Rather than designating three affordable units at The Gables, in accordance with the plan’s initial approval, the developer has proposed designating one townhouse on the site as affordable, and creating five affordable units in a house at 3 George St. Those units would be available to residents with special needs.

Along with the proposal, however, the developer’s land-use consultant, Richard Redniss, requested that the commission replace the state’s definition of special needs residents with a broader federal definition.

Commissioner John Bolton objected strongly to the idea. He argued that expanding the definition of residents eligible for the units when the stock of available housing is not increasing would lessen the opportunities for those who already qualify.

“You’re going to be shutting out the ones who can least afford to be shut out – the ones who have no voice,” he said in the commission’s Zoom meeting.

Chairman Paul Lebowitz favored the proposal.

“I can’t figure out why we would want to constrain an idea that would allow for more people to qualify,” he said, adding, “if we can make the definition for our town wider than what the state has, I don’t see why we wouldn’t.”

If the plan is approved, the townhouse on site would be managed by Homes with Hope, an organization that addresses homelessness. Abilis, an organization that serves children and adults with developmental disabilities, would take over the George Street house.

The change would be made by adopting text amendment 845, allowing developers of projects in the Inclusionary Housing Overlay District to create affordable units off site, at the Planning and Zoning Commission’s discretion. Another proposal would convert an office space over the commercial space facing the road to two residential units – a request that received support from Commissioners.

Lebowitz recommended looking further into the issues – including whether a change in the definition of special needs would shut out those who need the housing most – and continue the discussion at the commission’s March 30 meeting.

Commissioners differed on the off-site idea. Commissioner Craig Schiavone said the use of 3 George St. could set an example for other projects – and could include more than the five units planned.

“Instead of accepting five efficiency units as proposed, I’d like the applicant to consider a configuration that could accommodate up to eight efficiency units while maintaining the residential character of the neighborhood,” she said. “With thoughtful design, landscaping and shared amenities, this property could become a model development for how smaller residential properties in Westport might provide meaningful affordable housing while remaining compatible with surrounding homes.”

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.}}