Two weeks ago, Larry Weisman — a longtime Westporter, noted zoning law attorney and civic volunteer — offered an intriguing solution to the Hamlet at Saugatuck morass.
What if, he wondered, the town and developer (ROAN Ventures) entered into a public/private partnership to develop Saugatuck — part dilapidated, part historic — in a less dense way than either the current plan, or a threatened 500-plus 8-30 housing proposal?
Weisman envisioned a mix of residences (a “substantial” number of them affordable, under state guidelines); a “judicious mix of commercial and office uses, with appropriate amenities on the river”; possibly a theater and/or hotel, as well as a pharmacy, hardware store and grocery. (Click here to read the full story.)
In 2018, a Transit Oriented District plan envisioned redevelopment of Saugatuck.
His piece drew 24 comments — most of them positive.
However, only one commenter was a public official (a Representative Town Meeting member).
Today, Weisman follows up (below).
This will likely resonate (again) with many readers. Meanwhile, “06880” wonders: What do town officials think? Will anyone follow up on the clear public interest, and take the lead?
Larry Weisman writes:
It would be disappointing if ROAN were to throw in the towel after denial of its overly ambitious attempt to redesign and redefine Saugatuck.
ROAN’s Plan B, an out-of-scale 8-30g housing block without supporting uses, seems more like petulance than a sensible second bite at the apple.
I still believe that both parties could benefit if the town were to invite the developer to participate in an effort to create a public/private partnership, with the town reducing the developer’s costs by contributing materially to a workable plan of development.
Many Westporters hope that area of Saugatuck can be improved.
The area surrounding ROAN’s holdings, including the railroad parking lots, is largely controlled by the town. It can be improved and repurposed to support a rational redesign.
In this instance, 8-30g, despite its flaws, can be a useful tool to create below market housing on one of the lots that comprise the development site.
I would think that ROAN would welcome an opportunity to work with the town to create a village that serves its residents.
And I would think that the town would be eager to work with the developer in an effort to achieve a mutually beneficial result. But alas, there seems to be no willingness on the part of the current town leadership to actually lead.
So we may have to swallow the bitter pill of yet another lost opportunity, and live with a large housing block devoid of supporting infrastructure and services.
What a shame.
(“06880’s” Opinion pages are open to all. Please email submissions to 06880blog@gmail.com)