Editor’s note: following is an opinion submitted by Westport residents Ken Bernhard, Larry Weisman, Roger Leifer, Brian Stern and Amy Wistreich.
Following the denial of ROAN’s application to build the “Hamlet” project, Westport stands at a critical juncture. While this decision has left our community divided with mistrust simmering among residents, town officials, and the developer, our Westport community must acknowledge an important truth: development in Saugatuck is inevitable. That being the case, it is incumbent upon all of us to make the Saugatuck project, if not ideal, at least as acceptable as possible.
In response to the denial, ROAN is preparing three separate applications for 8-30g proposals on the properties it owns. The applications will be submitted in the next few weeks and the structures proposed will be immense, perhaps six or more stories high. Higher than I-95 in the area near Charles St. Their plan B will overwhelm the Saugatuck area with a dense residential project without retail outlets or the amenities that are critical to a vibrant and desirable neighborhood.
To avoid this, the path forward requires patience, civility, and flexibility from all sides. These next few months may be our last opportunity to make the proposed development acceptable—to create a Saugatuck that is attractive, balanced, livable, and serves community needs.
Although any development will likely bring more traffic, achieving an acceptable outcome will require compromise and some accommodation by the entire Westport community, but primarily by Saugatuck residents who will be the most affected by whatever is built.
In this election cycle, we need to hear from the candidates that they understand how critical the timing is with respect to this situation and that they are prepared to deal with and facilitate an ultimate compromise that balances the needs of residents with those of a developer.
We would suggest the first order of business for the new administration should be to appoint a small committee of citizen stakeholders, including representatives from District One and some with development experience, to meet with ROAN, to discuss, and hopefully formulate a plan that makes sense for all concerned. Thereafter, ROAN would present their ideas to the newly elected P&Z. The result may not be perfect and will inevitably attract criticism, but it will be better than the alternative and far better than letting a once-in-lifetime opportunity get away.
Ken Bernhard
Roger Leifer
Brian Stern
Larry Weisman
Amy Wistreich
It’s not a bad idea. But it is difficult to prostrate ourselves before Roan and their representatives who have poked the bear so many times with their unsavory tactics.
They got feedback. They know what the community wants and will support. They know where the sharp edges are.
I would not blame the citizenry for the fail; they’ve done real and exceptional work to understand and participate in the process in a meaningful way.
Does Roan does fully own all of the land at this point? Can they walk away from their purchase agreements?
Further, I believe the applicable text amendment is seriously flawed and should be revised if and when possible.
The option to submit a new application awaits Roan, as it has all along. The people have spoken loud and clear. We want Saugatuck redeveloped. We want mixed use. We wsnt open green space. We want this toxic brownfield site remediated with transparency and the utmost care.we want onsite affordable housing.
We want a village that serves Westport, not a transient destination club culture.
The formula has been written. If this suggested committee can get it done, God bless!
You’re going to get what you get …..and they don’t care if you get upset. Great job!
“It takes a lifetime to build a good reputation, but you can lose it in a minute.”
Will Rogers
This is true…. if based on facts, though I’m not sure why that was added to my comment. Either way, I find it interesting that Amy and Ken are now supporting “compromise”—maybe it’s because of the upcoming election.
As for reputations, once the 500+ apartments in the slice are built, it will be the so-called “Alliance” to blame, not those who acknowledged the reality that this area desperately needs development, the reality that this land is privately owned, and the reality that P+Z has been denying good applications with affordable components for decades. Now, it’s all coming home to Roost.
It’ll be interesting to see the three applications. I’m still hopeful it will include mixed-use, although I see why the developers and landowners would move towards a much simpler all residential project Hopes and Prayers
The town should be more proactive and not let itself be pushed around. Buy the land around the water and the strip where Mario’s was. Then we can sell it to reputable developers of our choosing with the plan that we want. The town can raise hundreds of millions with ease. Take the bull by the horns.
Nothing is inevitable, that kind talk is for losers…
This is true…. if based on facts, though I’m not sure why that was added to my comment. Either way, I find it interesting that Amy and Ken are now supporting “compromise”—maybe it’s because of the upcoming election.
As for reputations, once the 500+ apartments in the slice are built, it will be the so-called “Alliance” to blame, not those who acknowledged the reality that this area desperately needs development, the reality that this land is privately owned, and the reality that P+Z has been denying good applications with affordable components for decades. Now, it’s all coming home to Roost.
It’ll be interesting to see the three applications. I’m still hopeful it will include mixed-use, although I see why the developers and landowners would move towards a much simpler all residential project Hopes and Prayers
The reason why it is important for leadership to step up is 3 fold.
1. It is a public transportation hub, and not just any hub—Westport sprouted from this very link to NYC.
2. Traffic has become intolerable.
3. We some reasonable rents in Westport, and we need to comply with state mandates to provide housing for people who aren’t filthy rich.
I normally wouldn’t advocate for public private partnerships but in this case we might lose the town over this-these developers—trying their hardest to exploit a weakness in the system and sell out our town.
Wasn’t the town leadership just last year holding meetings about how they could finance projects?! What about that? The could issue bonds….
So my proposal is that the town attorneys start right away to capitalize some debt — buy out the Roan people, for whatever they had been able to scrape together— pay them to go away— walk away money— get lost bucks— and then auction off the lots with deed restrictions .. such as one big apartment building for poor people … and a performance center with galleries…. A few restaurants… green space along the river, a super slick underground garage for paid train parking … and a new … wait for it…….Saugatuck Skyway— to relive the traffic and make life wonderful.
It’s so easy to solve problems when you have a vision. Without vision one just runs into problem after problem.
Overall, I agree with the group’s concept and opinion that the new First Selectman of Westport take an active role in developing alternatives and options for development in Saugatuck. I will vote for the candidates that seem most likely to do that.
I have heard – on a cursory conceptual basis – that “public private partnerships” are possible, and that “state money” may be available to help with this process. Exploring these options goes beyond the purview and capability of the local P&Z commission.
Assuming the Roan team still has options to purchase the multiple properties where the Hamlet was going to be built, they can be part of the process.
But let’s all recognize that the original sin was the decision by Westport’s 2023 P&Z to approve an 800% “Upzoning” of the Saugatuck Business District. Upzoning is a reasonable idea to encourage development and change, but 800% went way beyond what was necessary, wise, prudent and sensible. The new P&Z (after November) could address that issue.
Rick Smilow, Westport