By John Schwing
WESTPORT — Plans for one of the largest — and most controversial — projects in the city’s history are under public scrutiny this week at a special in-person meeting of the Planning Commission and zoning.
“The Hamlet of Saugatuck,” proposed by ROAN Ventures, is a radical proposal to develop the waterfront neighborhood of Saugatuck with buildings – some as high as five stories – to house a mix of residential, commercial and restaurant uses, including including a hotel.
And, in a marked transition from its online meeting format since the COVID-19 pandemic began more than two years ago, the P&Z will host a public hearing — in person — on those plans at 7 p.m. on Wednesday 2 November at City Hall Auditorium, 110 Myrtle Ave.
On the table will be discussed Text Amendment 819 and Map Amendment No 820, which must first be approved before any specific site development plans – roughly between Railroad Place, Franklin Street, Charles Street and the Saugatuck River – can move forward. (***To note: The official meeting notice posted on the city’s website, as of Sunday, had the wrong day for the P&Z meeting. It is scheduled for Wednesday, November 2.)
The project has generated strong – and very divided – reactions.
The two local political parties primarily focused on land use and planning issues, Save Westport Now and the Coalition for Westport, took opposing positions on “The Hamlet”. Save Westport Now wants the plans, in their current form, rejected, while the Coalition for Westport is strongly in favor.
And more than 70 letters, with differing views on the project, were emailed to planning and zoning staff. Click here and scroll to the Map Amendment 820 heading to read these letters and other documents regarding the request.
P&Z’s decision to hold an in-person hearing on the Hamlet proposal in Saugatuck comes after members discussed in September the merits of online Zoom meetings versus in-person sessions.
The discussion was kicked off by committee member Patrizia Zucaro, who said she heard from some people who felt the proceedings of P&Z’s online meetings sometimes proved difficult to follow.
Other members, however, pointed out that Zoom meetings were often “virtually” attended by more citizens than would have come to City Hall, especially sessions where a question could consume several hours before a point to be made. the agenda that others might want to comment on.
John Schwing, Consulting Editor of the Westport Journal, has held editorial and editorial positions in Southwestern Connecticut media for four decades. Know more about us here.
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