Our country is more polarized than at any time since the Civil War.
But in one corner of Westport, at least, folks negotiate in good faith.
They compromise. And everyone wins.
The Planning & Zoning Commission was all set last night for a contentious hearing on Mark Yurkiw and Wendy Van Wie’s plea to preserve their 1700s property on Cross Highway. The couple — who spent years restoring a home and barn — wanted a waiver to live in the barn, but sell the other structure. That way, they said, it could be loved, cared for and maintained in perpetuity.
One view of 188 Cross Highway.
A neighbor opposed the proposal.
Mark and Wendy had a number of supporters in the Town Hall crowd. An “06880” story — with 100 or so comments — was read into the record.
But before anything else happened, both sides huddled. Suddenly, the neighbor’s attorney announced he’d drop the objection — provided Mark and Wendy adhere to a few simple conditions.
Bingo!
The P&Z approved what they needed to. Because it contains historic homes, the property can now be subdivided. The homes will remain.
Everybody wins.
Perhaps we can send that crew down to Washington?