By Thane Grauel

WESTPORT — A petition signed by 31 verified residents has been filed with the town clerk, asking that the Representative Town Meeting review recent zoning changes that would allow the large-scale redevelopment of Saugatuck.

Under the Town Charter, if enough people petition the RTM, it must review an action within 30 days. The legislative body can overturn a decision with a two-thirds vote, 24 members. Any less, or if the RTM takes no vote, the decision stands.

Text amendments, which could enable developer ROAN Ventures to undertake sweeping plans to redevelop the waterfront neighborhood, were approved Dec. 12 by the Planning and Zoning Commission.

Town Clerk Jeffrey Dunkerton notified some RTM members Thursday that he received the petition around noon that day. He said he verified 31 people who signed it.

The petition was submitted by Rick Smilow, who has spoken at public hearings and written letters detailing his concerns about the development. He could not be reached Friday.

The proposal generated months of debate, with many critics focused on the development’s negative impact on traffic, density and character of the historic area. Supporters argued it would spark an economic revival, and add desirable amenities and housing that will include affordable units.

Matthew Mandell, an RTM member from District 1 and chairman of its Planning and Zoning Committee, said Friday that his committee would hold hearings on the petition via Zoom at:

• 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 5

• 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 10

• 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 12 (backup date, if needed).

Mandell said the full RTM will meet at:

• Tuesday, Jan. 17 (details to be announced)

• Thursday, Jan. 19 (backup meeting, if needed).

The Hamlet plan would be a multi-use development of retail, hotel and residential buildings between the Saugatuck River, Charles Street, Franklin Street and Railroad Place.

The P&Z, after four months of hearings, earlier this month approved two text amendments that could allow the Hamlet plan to move forward. The legal notice of the decision was published Dec. 16, giving any potential petitioners seven days to file a challenge, under the Town Charter.

View the petition and related documents here:

Thane Grauel, executive editor, grew up in Westport and has been a journalist in Fairfield County and beyond more than three decades. Reach him at editor@westportjournal.com. Learn more about us here.