Editor’s note: The following letter was sent to the Westport Selectwomen’s Office and the Planning and Zoning Commission, and a copy submitted for publication by Westport Journal. The Norwalk Planning and Zoning Commission plans an online hearing on the MoCA CT application in question at 6 p.m. May 21.
__________________________
I am a neighbor of MoCA CT located at 19 Newtown Turnpike. I recently received a letter indicating that there is a new request to expand the existing special permit, which currently allows for commercial purposes for the museum. However, this new request seeks to extend the permit to include a manufacturing facility.
I am writing to request assistance from the Town of Westport regarding this matter. It has come to my attention that Westport has deferred the decision to the zoning codes of Norwalk. I would like to highlight that this expansion will significantly impact Westport residents, and the address in question is still within Westport.
I fully support the utilization of facilities to promote art and culture within our community. It’s wonderful to have spaces like MoCA that enrich our town. However, opening the special permit to manufacturing in a residential zone sets a concerning precedent. If there is ample space, perhaps this could be an opportunity to explore other activities that could further promote arts and culture in our towns (Norwalk, Westport).
As a parent to a young child, I am keenly aware of the importance of maintaining our town’s cultural and historical integrity. We have wonderful places like MoCA, Levitt, Playhouse and the Museum for History that contribute to the charm and character of Westport. Living in a home from 1835, I am committed to preserving a part of Westport history, and I seek your help in maintaining our neighborhoods, culture, and history.
I kindly ask for your support in preventing the establishment of manufacturing facilities within our small, historic neighborhoods, especially when they are not zoned for such purposes. Many thanks, and I look forward to your response.
Peter Faust / Westport
If you are asking for Tookers support, don’t bother.
She always sides with the developer, contractor, etc.. she does not give a singular toss how this affects your life or your families.
As far as she is concerned it’s all up for grabs.
Good luck.
I feel for you and the mountain you must climb.
She’s talking at the Norwalk mall on behalf of or in support of the hamlet.. a Westport development most of Westport does not want.
But in the same vein that she ran this town, it’s give her, her way, or watch Armageddon unfold in the form of a nasty tantrum.
Not once in all the years of watching governor Lamont have I seen such nasty uncontrollable displays.
Come to some Hamlet meetings and just watch the corruption with your own eyes.
It is beyond comprehension.
Some of us may soon be hiring security there is so much in the way of $$$$$ at stake here.
Given that the buildings are in Norwalk, I’m not sure that Westport has any say in the matter.