To the editor:
The P&Z Commission should reject the current Hamlet site plan because it relies heavily on the supposed availability of railroad parking spots that are reserved for the use of commuters, not private developers.
Specifically, at the P&Z public hearing on March 10, The Hamlet developers presented a plan that incorporated approximately 100 railroad parking spaces, as well as targeted another railroad parking lot (containing over 300 spaces), for large-scale events and other commercial activity.
The developers represented that the railroad parking spaces could simply be used or perhaps leased from the Town of Westport to satisfy their parking requirements. This is not accurate: The areas the developers seek to rely upon are owned as-of-right by the State of Connecticut and are covered by the 2002 railroad parking lease with Westport, which states in relevant part:
“The purpose of the lease is to make the most effective use of railroad property, to encourage and attract additional rail patrons, and to make rail facilities more convenient, attractive, and compatible with the public interest”.
As made clear by The Hamlet’s glossy marketing materials, The Hamlet is not a typical Transit Oriented Development (TOD) project nor will the project’s vision make rail station access “more convenient” to the average commuter.
TOD projects — like what Darien has accomplished with the Noroton TOD — typically include mixed-use housing and commercial uses anchored in a plan that enhances public access to the train (i.e. bike, walk, transit).
By contrast, The Hamlet is a high-end luxury residential, commercial, hotel, event space, marina complex specifically sited near the train station. The anticipated cost of the proposed 57 residential units will match or exceed comparable residential developments in Westport (a Bankside condo just sold for more than $2.5 million) while the 14 affordable units are projected to be “off site.”
In addition, The Hamlet plan lacks any concrete transit-focused initiatives normally associated with a successful TOD development other than vague lip-service to ideas like “trolleys” or “electric ferries.”
The developers and their consultants and high-paid state lobbyists will say or promise just about anything, even making the patently absurd claim that this behemoth project will miraculously reduce congestion in Saugatuck.
But when all is said and done, it’s clear that the average Westport commuter will end up on the short end of the stick, facing increased traffic, three years of construction, reduced railroad parking access and skyrocketing demand for available parking permits.
Jennifer Johnson
Representative Town Meeting member, District 9
Westport
Amen.
As a 55 year resident of Westport I am astounded that this development is even under consideration. To me it is simply overwhelming and inappropriate for that area.
Jen Johnson knows transportation. The PZC would be wise to heed her calls for rational and appropriate development. Why on earth would we allow a private development to use precious town/state parking to meet its parking requirement? Do not give even one parking space to this development. Just say no.
Westport is busting at the seams, with nowhere to park, build, or transplant important civic infrastructure like park maintenance sheds, vital green space such as a community garden, or affordable housing.
Already we are not serving our existing population with adequate infrastructure. There are long waits to secure a Railroad Parking Permit and I suspect that will increase as more people return to pre-Covid rail commutes. Traffic is already exceptionally demanding and dangerous.
The “growth” that the Hamlet promises does NOT benefit existing residents and businesses who are already facing skyrocketing taxes. It does not comport with the oft-declared “this is a town for families and children.” It does not benefit a booming elder population who wishes to age in place. It will cannibalize our already struggling downtown merchants, where “out of business”signs go up seemingly every day.
Necessary capital projects are backlogged, and are expected to produce exponential increases in the homeowner’s tax burden over the next decade.
And, a dark cobblestone alley is NOT “open space” as promised in The Hamlet development marketing fluff.
I’m told a significant reason the outrageous zoning text amendment was approved back in 2022 is to avoid rampant mandatory 8-30g affordable housing development throughout the town. So, PUT AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN THE HAMLET. Fill it to the brim next to the train station. Do the right thing.
The plan as presented is a greedy insult to taxpayers of Westport.
Thank you!
Toni you make a fair point.
8/30g looks incredible right now compared with this.
Unless of course you are an investor.. lol.
This area boasts 30 restaurants in 1.5 miles.
Downtown has plenty retail !
What’s going on here ?
This surely does not pass any sniff test on any planet.
Yet watching the last 2 meetings it’s as though folks are under a spell by the end.
This development should have to have standalone parking.
No relying on leasing or using railroad parking..
My suggestion, if they want a hotel.. ok.. minus the enormous SIGN.
the rest of the buildings should be condos and apts.
and preferably a couple floors shorter.
Parking must be provided.
There should be absolutely no mixed use in there.
Not a single restaurant and not a single shop.
Why ? We have a large downtown.
Why no restaurants ?
We have 30 within 1.5 miles and restaurants take most parking.
Why are we looking to put saugatuck restaurants out of business. Why do we need a second downtown?
Why is nobody making a statement about the fact that THEY CANNOT USE RAILROAD PARKING AT COMMUTERS EXPENSE.
Time for everyone to wake up !
Find out the numbers on restaurant and retail.
Because 1 parking spot per 1000 sq feet doesn’t work.
1 x 3000 sq foot restaurant with patio seating outside.
Seats 200 ppl.. that’s 100-200 cars and staff another 35….
Show them it simply doesn’t work.
Make this an 8-30g and done.
The whole project is a scam. Saugatuck is our transportation hub and they put zero thought into parking.
The renderings are from fake non existent perspectives, and very low quality. One could prompt Grok3 and get a better output in 15 seconds.
And yes, housing for poor people would be much better for the town. Or, just have tbe town buy the waterfront property and make it park with a small exclusive marina.
Here’s the deal, after the properties are built, they put them in a portfolio fund, they dont care if the properties are succesful, the managers collect their millions in fees and walk away. We as Westporters are stuck with hideous structures and terrible p&z rules.
This is a consequence of p&z people who dont take their job seriously or worse–thanks for the mess.
Now if they were going to build the Saugatuck Center for Performing Arts I would be into it.
There is still a way to stop this monster.