“06880” intern Katherine Phelps reports:
The development team behind The Hamlet at Saugatuck returned again last night to the Planning & Zoning Commission.
Once again, they presented a revised proposal, intended to address concerns raised during earlier public hearings.
More than 90 people attended the Zoom meeting, which lasted over 3 1/2 hours.
The ROAN Ventures team showed updates to the plan. Commissioners offered measured feedback, and residents continued to question the retail/residential/ hotel/marina project’s scale, traffic impact and long-term implications.
One of the biggest changes is the removal of the previously proposed tunnel under Railroad Place. Project architect Joe Barbagallo noted that the design now complies with setback rules.
The “J Building” is rotated 45 degrees on the site, while the “Barn Building” is cut back on its west side, creating a 40-foot buffer from the property line.
The waterfront area also underwent changes. The development team reduced the building’s massing, and adjusted architectural details to preserve view corridors and improve public gathering spaces.
Engineer Andy Soumelidis said the revised “Residential D” building now sits behind the required 10-foot border. He also highlighted an upgraded stormwater management system that captures 1.3 inches of runoff, exceeding Westport’s minimum standard.
Urban planner Marina Khoury outlined operational improvements, including package delivery rooms, garbage pickup routes, and 2 separate loading docks — one serving the Barn, another near the waterfront. She referenced similar design principles used in projects like Friday Harbor in Ontario and The Wharf in Washington, emphasizing walkability and loading efficiency.
Commissioners offered varied reactions. Chair Paul Lebowitz called the increased setbacks “a big improvement,” but expressed concern over the loss of buildings on Railroad Place. He said he wishesd the changes had been presented earlier.
Michael Calise challenged claims that traffic near Franklin Street improves under the new plan. He noted that the team provided no data to support that assumption, and continued to question their traffic projections.
Patrizia Zucaro asked whether parking has changed — it has not — and whether a management company will coordinate deliveries. ROAN replied that on-site property managers and valet operators will handle logistics.
Commissioners questioned whether or not that can truly be enforced.
Public comments reflected continued division as well.
Attorney Joel Green, representing the Westport Alliance for Saugatuck, said that no updated documents have been formally submitted and that the public still lacks a clear understanding of the final proposal.
Residents Linda Prestegaard and Carole Reichhelm voiced concerns about parking, especially for employees.
Michele Pickett questioned the loading zones, and asked how events with over 300 attendees might be handled during rush hour.
Dara Lamb asked for a scale model or elevation views, to visualize how the riverfront will look from different vantage points.
Chris Tait, a Representative Town Meeting member whose district includes Saugatuck, asked whether a traffic study will be available before the June 16 meeting.
Kevin McGrath and other residents acknowledged that while no development is perfect, the developers are making an effort to engage with the community, and incorporate feedback.
Commissioner Amy Wistreich closed the meeting by saying she will not vote on the project without seeing complete documents, including traffic, safety and stormwater reports.
ROAN said they expect all materials to be submitted by early tomorrow (Wednesday), at the latest.
The next P&Z hearing is scheduled for June 11. A possible vote is now expected on June 16.