“Where We Stand”: P&Z Candidates Discuss Their Most Important Issue

Yesterday, “06880” introduced a new feature: “Where We Stand.” 

Once a week between now and Election Day, we’ll ask candidates for 3 important boards — Selectmen/women, Planning & Zoning, and Education — one specific question.

We’ll print their responses verbatim. 

An informed electorate is the greatest bulwark of democracy. Westporters have always participated avidly in our town government.

“06880” is proud to do our part this fall to help.

This week’s question for the Planning & Zoning Commission is: “What is the single most important issue facing the P&Z right now, and how will you address it?” 

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Michele Paquette is a bipartisan candidate, with endorsements from 3 organizations. She will be listed on the ballot under both the Republican Party and The Coalition for Westport. Additionally, she has earned the support of the Westport Alliance for Saugatuck. She says:

The most pressing concern voiced by residents — and one that demands the attention of Westport’s Planning & Zoning Commission — is overdevelopment, and its gradual unraveling of the fabric of our community.

Overdevelopment stems from 3 key areas: deviation from our 2017 Town Development Plan, approval of zoning amendments that increase density beyond what current zoning allows, and the impact of Connecticut’s 8-30g mandate, which lets developers bypass local zoning if a project includes affordable units.

Residents have made it clear: they’re open to thoughtful development and support affordable housing, but not when it compromises Westport’s charm and livability. Their concerns center on increased noise, worsening traffic, and pressure on infrastructure—all of which threaten the town’s unique character.

Michele Paquette

To address this, I will lead with a commitment to transparency, accountability, and resident-driven decisions.

First, we must create a new Town Plan with robust public input — and ensure it’s followed. I will implement a process to educate future commissioners on the plan, so decisions remain aligned with community values.

Second, I will push for stricter scrutiny of zoning amendments, especially those that increase density. The Saugatuck area is a cautionary tale: an approved zoning amendment allowed an 800% increase in density despite the 2017 Town Development Plan’s clear guidance to preserve the area’s small-town feel.

Third, we must tackle 8-30g with a proactive, multi-pronged strategy owned by many representatives. This means partnering with nearby towns under the same pressure as Westport to advocate at the state level for localized zoning solutions and to ask for state funding to support this unfunded mandate.

In addition, we need someone at Town Hall to own executing our affordable housing plan, so we can regain control.

As a commissioner, I will explore creative zoning tools — like converting existing buildings into affordable housing so density is not increased, and strengthening traffic regulations.

I’ll support public-private partnerships to align development with resident goals, and pursue state funding opportunities. We should also consider acquiring strategic parcels of land to guide growth responsibly and develop pre-approved site templates to streamline small-scale affordable housing.

Westport is a remarkable town with strong schools, vibrant neighborhoods, and a deep sense of community.

Growth is inevitable—but it must be managed with vision and care. My goal is to restore balance, seek to protect our town’s ambience, and ensure development serves the people who live here.

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The Democratic Party has endorsed Michael Cammeyer, Bre Injeski and Craig Schiavone. Schiavone is also running on the Coalition for Westport ticket, and has been endorsed by the Alliance for Westport. They say:

The most important issue facing Westport’s Planning & Zoning Commission today is how we manage growth, while retaining local control.

Connecticut’s 8-30g statute gives developers extraordinary power to bypass local zoning if towns fall short of state affordable housing targets. This means high-density projects can be forced into inappropriate locations — ignoring traffic, infrastructure, wetlands, and even fire safety.

In recent years, Westport has been different. Unlike neighboring towns overwhelmed by 8-30g projects, we’ve avoided costly court fights and oversized applications.

That success is no accident – it happened because of the decisive votes of the Democratic majority on the P&Z, two of whom are running for re-election today with a new colleague who brings her own fresh perspective.

From left: Michael Cammeyer, Bre Injeski, Craig Schiavone.

Together, our team supported the creation of the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, rezoning town land for affordable cottage clusters, and approving projects that gave Westport local control instead of leaving it to developers.

The choice is clear: Choose all three Democrats — two with a proven record of delivering results, and one who brings new energy, and a commitment to the same values.

We believe the smarter path to limit density and maintain control over our own zoning is to plan for development on Westport’s terms — not let developers dictate it. That means:

1. Partnering with developers where it works. By zoning for mixed-income, right-sized townhomes and cottage clusters, we prevent oversized 8-30g towers. We’ve already succeeded with projects like the approved townhomes behind The Clubhouse.

2, Using town-owned land strategically. With over $1.4 million in Westport’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund — created under our leadership in a split vote — we can move forward with entirely affordable, low-density projects that provide meaningful units while preserving neighborhood character. This was the vision of our 8-30J Affordable Housing Plan, also adopted in a split vote, which outlined a clear path to a second and third moratorium from 8-30g.

3, Protecting commercial and residential diversity. We acted — in multiple split votes — to permit medical offices in legacy office buildings, support new retail spaces, stop plans to destroy downtown parking, permit the seasonal closure of Church Lane, and strengthen our tax base while allowing for vibrant downtown growth and expanded outdoor dining. We also support creative models seen in other towns that reserve housing for seniors, young professionals, and people with disabilities — enhancing Westport’s housing diversity.

4, Advocating at the state level. We will continue working with our legislators to oppose unfair statewide mandates, such as the proposed “Fair Share” quotas and other laws that would strip towns of local control.

The upcoming Plan of Conservation & Development will be critical. It offers a chance to build on successes like 136 Riverside, which shows affordability and compassion can coexist, and outdoor dining, which revitalized our downtown.

These wonderful things would not have happened without our votes, and with careful planning we can expand affordability, maintain Westport’s character, and ensure thoughtful growth.

Our philosophy is simple: Smart development is not a threat – it is an opportunity. By collaborating with landowners, planning for lower density, and investing in town-controlled affordable housing, Westport can fulfill state requirements while protecting the qualities we love.

The alternative – costly and unwinnable battles under 8-30g – would only weaken our ability to shape our own future.

We pledge to continue to lead with vision, balance, and respect for Westport’s character. Vote all 3 Democratic candidates for P&Z  — two experienced leaders who have already delivered results, and one new voice to help preserve what you love and plan responsibly for the future.