Editor’s note: Following letter was addressed to Planning and Zoning Commission members, and a copy submitted to the Westport Journal for publication.
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Monday’s Zoom call was revealing, and as I learned, has ended in the conspicuously unfortunate approval of 8-24.
Points of view expressed on the call ranged from the altruistic and heartfelt to the self-serving and short-sighted. As from the beginning of this pre-ordained process, what continued to remain clear were the completely disparate lines of thought on what should be the obvious priorities concerning the town’s vibrant ascent and the singular imposing and mounting impediment that threatens it — lack of and overly restrictive parking.
Summarily, either you recognized and accepted that the merchants — current and future — are the lifeblood of Westport downtown, or you didn’t.
Sadly, the latter prevailed and the majority voice opting for pursuit of a better, more realistic way forward was snubbed and along with it, the intrinsic interests of the town.
The future of clothiers, home furnishing stores, luxury products retailers, restaurants and services like our medical-aesthetics practice is now seriously in question and so too the continued appeal of downtown as the go-to destination for leisurely and convenient shopping, dining and myriad services.
The practical and demonstrably functional opposition to the plan was countered with platitudes, blue-sky visions and a penchant for self-defeating restrictions, none of which will net one cent of growth potential to the town.
Ironically, a sober and substantive insight came from two of the staunchest backers of 8-24. From one, “the only real solution to the parking problem is building a structure …” (I believe he even specified four or five levels). The other recounted that a plan for a parking deck was actually approved years ago, only to be undermined by a lawsuit and to become a third rail in the town psyche. Pity! More so because, even back then, the problem was in sharp review and the solution more earnestly pursued.
Still, the parking problem now, which will only worsen, could be meaningfully addressed today with the same solution. Then, with that easement in the infrastructure hurdle, loftier ideas would be less likely to conflict with necessities and instead, stand a better chance of broader acclaim and balanced contribution to the allure of downtown.
As merchants, our hope is that it’s not too late!
Respectfully,
Alan D. Cohen
Managing partner
ElixirSpa, LLC
Well stated Mr. Cohen. It is an appalling decision that will negatively change the downtown dynamic forever . The meeting was quite painful to watch and participate in.
Come to Jesup Green on Sunday at noon for a group photo under the majestic trees, rain or shine. I want to preserve a glimpse of Westport the lovely quaint and bustling town that used to be.