Move over, Hamlet.
Make way for “The Alliance for Saugatuck Housing Opportunity.”
ROAN Ventures – the developer of the Hamlet residential/hotel/retail/event space project, whose application was denied last month by the Planning & Zoning Commission – is moving forward with an 8-30g proposal.
The plan includes 400 to 500 residential units, in the same general Saugatuck footprint as the Hamlet site. As an 8-30g, 30% would be deemed “affordable” under a state formula.
ROAN hopes to file its new application by the end of the month.
The announcement comes a day after the developer appealed the Hamlet denial in Bridgeport Superior Court. ROAN is pursuing the 8-30g while simultaneously going to court, to maintain all options for the Saugatuck site.
The 8-30g application will be as controversial as The Hamlet. Connecticut’s 8-30g affordable housing regulation gives municipalities little say in areas like density, parking, public amenities, walkability and waterfront access.
An earlier sketch of a possible 8-30g housing development in Saugatuck. Railroad Place is at the bottom, and bisects the buildings at the left and center; Luciano Park is the green area at top left. Riverside Avenue runs to the right of the building on the right.
In a statement, ROAN calls the Hamlet denial “a significant missed opportunity for Westport.” As a result, the developer has shifted to another use for the site.
The Representative Town Meeting (RTM) upheld the original P&Z text amendment by a 33-1 vote, ROAN notes, “citing the possibility of a state-mandated affordable housing development” if they did not affirm the rezoning.
Chris Smith, zoning attorney for ROAN, says the developer is “very disappointed with the Commission’s denial of the Hamlet, especially after working with the Commission and town over a long period of time.
“However, my client understands that Westport has been receptive to residential communities with housing opportunity components in the past.”
ROAN “looks forward to working with the Commission and town in moving forward with a comprehensive proposal that promotes housing opportunities for the citizens of Westport in the Saugatuck neighborhood,” Smith adds.
The P&Z’s denial vote “triggered significant interest from many developers who were following the special permit process,” ROAN tells “06880.”
“At the moment the plan is for ROAN to develop the property, potentially with some partners who have shown interest in the new business plan.”
Noting that the Hamlet proposal included 57 residential units, 57 hotel rooms and building heights up to 62 feet, ROAN says their goal was to “provide a vibrant village atmosphere with public waterfront access, retail, dining, and diverse housing options.
“Architectural plans were created to integrate seamlessly with Westport’s charm, and contribute to local economic growth and modernized infrastructure.”
“06880” is reaching out to town officials for comments on the Alliance for Saugatuck Housing Opportunity plan, and the Superior Court appeal.
I wonder if these ROAN people give themselves the creeps.
Roan ventures may find a more welcoming space for their mini city in a large city such as Norwalk or Bridgeport or another spacious city which can handle the construction, mess and waste. Their plans are beautiful- for a big city
Does anyone have a list of all the executives, investors, and affiliated persons with ROAN/Hamlet? Time to start naming and shaming, in my opinion. I also heard murmurs that free speech was being moderated on various social media platforms and some were alleging that there was some affiliation with moderators and ROAN/investors. This whole thing stinks.
Also, I keep saying it, why doesn’t the town consider eminent domain of the land? Turn it into a park and another town marina? Other towns have taken land from land owners and developers before “in the greater public interest.” I normally would not suggest that is appropriate but I guess at this point, why not?
I am no expert but I am fairly sure that a town using Eminent Domain to prevent development would be highly controversial, especially when there is still a lack of affordable housing and considering that replacing it with another park or marina would not count as a necessity. Hopefully ROAN and the town will find middle ground between both projects so this doesn’t drag out in court for years, costing the town tens of thousands of dollars in legal fees.
My impression is, like all bougie liberal bastions (take San Fran where it’s impossible to build, or get a remotely affordable apartment) Westport is anti-development. People pretend to care about ‘affordable housing’ and will virtue signal, but no one really wants low-income housing in Westport and we’re all afraid to say it (now it seems we’ll be stuck). Further, ‘development’ is a dirty word for aging boomers who’ve made it, next generation be damned. People are comfortable with what they know. I thought the Hamlet would have been a huge improvement over what’s there now, which is pretty much nothing.
I think townfolks have sent a pretty clear message, that while folks are pro-development, the scale of this proposal was going to create nightmares in the area. Especially traffic (and parking), when so many people who don’t live in Saugatuck but have to use it as a transit center.
As to the 8-30g, I don’t believe that threat is genuine, so let them put their money where their mouths are. There trying to scare Town into allowing the Hamlet. If they can push through an 8-30g development, so be it. If not the best idea for the area, it’s better than the Hamlet proposal.
In your opinion, how would the 8-30g development be better than the Hamlet? At least the Hamlet would be a local attraction and place to build community. Housing at this scale only feels like it will draw similar traffic without the benefit of community activities and services.
The Hamlet development is enormous – too dense for the area.
I in no way think it should be a choice between the two, but if ROAN is going to make it become a choice between the two, I’d take the choice that gives us 30% affordable and makes a bigger dent in our affordable “deficit.”
I also don’t think we should reward ROAN’s tactics. But, as others have said, they probably are bluffing, as the profit is just not likely there in the 8-30g.
Like some others, I also look forward to the lawsuit, when we can flush the ROAN investors out of the darkness.
Does their 830-g include the Black Duck? If so, I’m fine with it. /s
I too want to see the investors names made public. They are the ones that claimed that they wanted to create a legacy for the town with their name on it – well, ok – lets see your names. Been hiding behind business names, magazines, etc.
Why sue the town over the original application, if you are going to put in an 8-30 application? Talk about throwing spaghetti at the wall to see what sticks. These people are bullies. This whole thing stinks to high heaven! Why not just have scaled down and stop the destination crap – a boat excusion to their now purchased Norwalk Island?!? We all agree that area needs a glow-up, not tacky grossness.
A list of investors could be cobbled together by watching a few of the 2022 Hamlet meetings, which featured entire families of cheerleading investors shaking their pompoms on Zoom. The P and Z also links to the gushing form-letter emails from local (and faraway) Hamlet investors. It would be an interesting document.
Additionally, now that litigation has begun, one assumes that Roan will be compelled to disclose its investors during the fact gathering phase of the lawsuit.
Is White Roan the ultra luxury developer still partnering with Westports Roan on this 8-30 proposal?
On another note Roan’s claim “they worked with the town” rings hollow. They presented a plan in 22 that triggered the spot zone change to pave way for their original concept only to come back 2 years later presenting a new significantly more massive footprint. Ironically they are accusing Westport of foul play. I don’t see this as working with the town. Yes they made some minor alterations
when outcry for the insanity of some of their new plan reached fever pitch only because they asked for the moon in the first place and those changes almost always the eve of the next P&Z meeting preventing careful review. If they had exercised some prudence this could be a different story.
They overestimated the thirst of most Westporters desire for frivolous ultra luxury over sensible planning and future usage.
This application was certainly not unexpected.
Town leadership, both now and in November, must work with ROAN within the parameters of the current 8-30g law, to ensure the best possible outcome for Westport. While we all know that 8-30g significantly limits local zoning controls, we will have no input unless we are willing to engage.
Yeah, the way you worked with other interested parties while on the LLSBC. Save your lectures on “willingness to engage.”
“There ain’t nothin’ more powerful than the odor of mendacity.” And nothing is going to get it off of you.
With all due respect Don, this is purely a PZ affair.
It is not “supposed” to have anything to do with town leadership, tho I had heard plenty meetings took place over the past 3 plus years with town leadership. Of course that may or may not be true.
I say that with a wink and a nod.
It is very strange tho, that when asked to make a statement, and on many occasions, about the Hamlet, town leadership I believe never once made a singular statement.
I see this as one of those times that town leadership is very much not steering this ship, but it is PZ.
Back in 2022 it was very obvious even in your district, not close to saugatuck, that constituents were by a massive majority dead set against the text amendment.
You had the opportunity as an elected RTM to overturn the text amendment, but you stated that although the majority of your constituents were against the text,( and had called and emailed you) that you were voting in favour of it.
It is precisely that vote, of 33 rtm, that has us at this juncture. You 33 had the opportunity to listen to your constituents and NONE of you did.
You 33 are to blame. No if ands or buts.
The text amendment was and is a travesty of giveaways for developers.
There are so many idiotic, and very purposeful aspects to it. It was basically Roans entire wish list. Down to their continued attempts to make their parking numbers work by using precious commuter parking.
That our elected PZ by a majority chose to deny the applicant, based upon many many multiple abuses of the amendment, was their prerogative.
The vocal majority of residents/voters in town wanted NO conditional approval because we all know from past experience developers do not end up taking conditions seriously. Conditional approval is in essence BS.
Conditions are just an opportunity for more “gimmes”.
Then of course it all becomes too late. The ask for forgiveness later game.
No 8-30g developer would have EVER purchased those overpriced properties to build affordable housing. NEVER.
So that threat was 100% bogus and made up.
It was the cudgel that was used to justify a ludicrous text amendment.
That the RTM, did not listen to their constituents.
was flabbergasting, and this is where it got us.
So as a candidate for selectman, do you plan on listening to what the majority of the town wants ? Or do you not ?
You did not in 2022 and you were not shy about it either in fact you were quoted in several news publications.
https://westportjournal.com/government/bucking-public-input-rtm-upholds-saugatuck-rezoning/
Now, as you are running for selectman and not PZ what role do you see selectmen having in what goes on down in Saugatuck, and again, will you be listening to the vocal majority.
We have had 4 years of a selectman who does not listen to the majority.
Whoever is elected next needs to respect the voices of the residents.
I believe it is fair for all candidates to state and very clearly so feet can be held to the fire, where they stand on all town issues, the community gardens, the Parker Harding parking and downtown fiasco, the affordable housing offsite, longshores 7 million dollar shed. Barrons South. Etc
The selectman MUST respect, that PZ and BOF are not rubber stampers. Nor should they be.
Nor should the RTM, who are “supposed” to be Apolitical.
And as for transparency, which in this town is an absolute joke, I’d sure like to hear all candidates let us know their interpretation of what that means. And how they will behave.
Transparency has been non existent in Westport for YEARS.
But it is a very popular word amongst candidates.
Don, by saying “current 8-30g law” instead of “current law” you are adding to the fear mongering and amplifying the developers extortionist message. This is exactly the opposite of what an impartial politician would have said.
Don: Roan is suing Westport … and … simultaneously applying for their version of co-op city, (seemingly modeled after the aesthetics of a high security prison cell block.)
Are you a defendant? Investor? Partner? Or what? Have you promised them anything? Have they promised you something? Your comments are all over the place and … nowhere.
Roan’s strongman tactics raise ethical questions and as a result they no longer deserve an ounce of cooperation from this town. They burned that bridge in their scorched earth approach.
Let me ask one more question: where is their list of achievements? Successes? Their website refers to St. John, USVI. How is that going?
There is no money to be made flooding the zone with haiwathas “saugatuck village” though Felix Charney has, historically tended towards building rentals, that’s 157 units with about 50 affordable.
If hamlet builds 600 with 175 affordable, and if the smaller but by no means insignificant plan to turn 2 homes in Haiwatha into 50 apts gets back on track, there will be 800 units available within about 1 square mile.
The prices, not of homes, but of Apts in that neighborhood will tank. They will most assuredly lose money on the affordable and market rate prices for their apts , and all will be in the gutter.
But roan knows this.
Hmmm, I wonder if I can guess which affordable housing developer they might have called to “partner” with.
Let’s assume potentially the one most adversely affected by the “flooding of the zone”.
Again, not rocket science.
Their play is to try and pass this onto an 8-30g developer, but the ROI is hugely, massively jeopardized by tariff uncertainty.
Overnight, tariffs can jump more than 100%, paralyzing all construction in its tracks, for example look at India, look at gold this morning, not to mention the high interest rates for borrowing money.
There is no 8-30g developer succeeding in Saugatuck, with a massive project, when the properties in question are so expensive and market saturation ASSURED.
If I were a lender, I would not touch this with a barge pole. It is a massive risk.
This is nothing more than a major manipulation and display of tantrum throwing by the developer answering to croney investors, many who live amongst us, who hope, the 8-30g threat will somehow “scare” enough people into supporting their hamlet monstrosity. And make NO mistake, this is not about legacy’s or Westport residents, it is unadulterated greed !
Bullying, greed and tantrums, are the new order of play.
Reminds me of how so many issues were dealt with in this town under the current administration over the past 4 years with Tooker- Moore leading the town in lockstep.
If they didn’t get their way a “consultant” was hired to ratify their agenda- on almost every failing agenda, and, all at taxpayer expense.
Consultants do exactly what they are told to do by the person hiring and paying them.
I’d pay more attention to the opinions of kindergarteners than I would to the conclusions of paid for consultants.
But tantrum throwing elitists love to talk about their consultants ( new word – experts) like somehow they were unbiased. Like they were ever going to go against the clients required conclusions and risk their paycheck.
Has anyone ever heard of an “expert” going against the client paying them ? Nope.
SMH.
All of those residents who contributed or committed funds to the prior ROAN effort should withdraw their support. It would also be nice if they did so publicly. I am aware of one name, well known in Town, but choose not to name the individual at this time.
Don, that would be nice, but roan promised these investors, ( and I heard they struggled to get investors) exorbitant by industry standards ROI’s.
In order to get that exorbitant ROI, a text amendment was written that was out of control- and yet they still want conditional approval.
They are all about the $$, every single one of them.
That, cutting back the greed, instead of sensible scale back, wasn’t the first priority just proves this.
This is not about expecting developers to make no return- it’s just about the sacrifice the community is expected to make for an ROI, based upon extreme greed, for its beneficiaries.
The list of investors would be incredibly interesting. But then so would the Epstein list, anlbeit, for other reasons.
Comes down to not giving a hoot about destroying a community if you can make some money in the process.
Elitism, superiority complexes and wannabes, are alive and well.
The text amendment that was passed in 2022 always reeked. Now we have the confirmation, that stench was not only the sewer plant the hotel and apts were facing.
I wonder would the town have spent tax payer money to put trees around that too.
I’d be shocked if affordable housing pencils out in that location. I am all for affordable housing in Wspt, it’s just the wrong spot and I’d call their bluff.
I agree I think it’s a bluff. Just makes them look even more awful. The one thing it does is allow others now say they support their plans because the alternative they are threatening is even worse. Easy excuse for people to cave. I agree with a comment above this 830 move is a good time for investors to back out and separate themselves from these tactics.
The others( investors) have committed.
They’ve paid for these guys salaries.. most likely out of control.. I doubt they pay themselves a couple hun !
More like a couple mill..
this saga just needs to be recognized for what it is..
a money grab !
An opportunity grab..
one that will reverberate for ions.
The plan as it stands will never be ok.
It is a disaster.
All the experts on this thread are way underplaying the “bluff” of an 8-30g.
It will get approved. Yea there will be some edits, but it’s nearly impossible to stop.
What do you think happens when a massive high density residential project adjacent to the train station, comes with both access to Westport Public Schools and Compo Beach get approved?
Money will fly in from all over the place. If it’s lack of funding you’re betting on, I’ll take the other side. Same with short term ROI. This is a legacy trade.