Rich Bailey, chair of Westport Neighbors United, sent this email late last night:
At tonight’s Planning and Zoning Commission meeting, the commissioners formally rejected the application by Cross Street LLC to construct a 6-story, 81-unit apartment complex between Lincoln and Cross Streets, off Post Road West, by a 7-0 vote.
This rejection represents a significant setback for Cross Street LLC and a big victory for Westport Neighbors United and those who supported our efforts to protect and preserve this neighborhood from egregious over-development.
The formal opinion by the commissioners in rejecting this application will be available in a couple of days and will be sent out to WNU supporters.
In the meantime, we want to say a very sincere “thank you” to those who have attended various P&Z meetings, contributed to our funding requests, sent in photos and emails to P&Z staff citing your concerns, and taking other supportive actions. The commissioners listened to you. and in our opinion took an appropriate action.
In turning down the application, the P&Z cited fire, traffic and other safety concerns.
Good news…it would have been horrendous!
Congratulations WNU! You have a wonderful – and historic – neighborhood that’s worth fighting for. People all over this town are behind you.
Congratulations to all those who made this happen. These big time developers have 1 purpose and that is to make as much money as possible with no regard to how it will impact our community.. this was a big win for Westport!!!!
Thank you for your diligent work to oppose something that impacts all of us – even beyond this neighborhood. Congratulations.
Yea! Thank you for your wonderful presentations…and keeping Westport a wonderful town for us all WNU. You are the best!
Thank goodness!! This would have really caused such huge changes to this neighborhood, not the least of which would be traffic!!
Why can’t some smaller condo groupings be built somewhere in town so some of us older residents who have lived here for a long time could downsize. This might be more in keeping with Westports ambiance and not cause an extra burden on schools, traffic, etc!!! A nice 12-16 unit complex where the condos or townhouses fit into an area might not be so disruptive and would allow people to stay in Westport. Fairfield is doing this and I don’t see why we can’t.
YAY!
Well, this is just step one – a well-reasoned denial based on legitimate public health and safety concerns. The developer will now take the Town and its denial to “8-30g court” in an effort to overturn the P&Z’s well-reasoned denial. It would appear the Town’s position is strong here, based on its recent experience with an 8-30g proposal at the corner of Wilton Road and Kings Highway North, where its denial on similar grounds was upheld. I certainly hope so.
Congratulations to Westport Neighbors United (WNU) They created and presented a professional, well researched and credible argument. They are truly an example to all Westporters of the constant vigilance required in defense of our local zoning regulations which are the backbone of our community. Cross Street LLC will not go away and WNU needs our continuing and energetic support in the defense of their neighborhood.
WHEW!I am so happy to read this post.
Does anyone know how I can get off Bailey’s mailing list? I have asked him 4 times to remove my email address. I keep up with the news and don’t need his mail.
Our apologies Mitchell. You have been removed from the WNU email list as of 45 minutes ago. Regards, Richard Bailey
Excellent news! Much thanks to the neighbors who fought this battle.