Westporters may not yet know who they’re voting for, in the coming election.
But the jobs that candidates are running for are pretty straightforward.
The Board of Finance handles finances. The Board of Education covers education. The Board of Selectmen/women (or better, “Selectors”) is, by New England tradition, our executive branch.
But what’s the difference between the Planning & Zoning Commission, and the Zoning Board of Appeals? That can be confusing.
Michelle Perillie — director of Westport’s Planning & Zoning Department — gives us the breakdown. She says:
In Westport, Planning & Zoning is a department within the town government.
It’s overseen by the 7-member Planning & Zoning Commission. Elected by voters, they regulate land use and development. By state law, the commission is responsible for developing and updating the Town Plan of Conservation and Development every 10 years, enforcing zoning ordinances to control land use, and approving applications for new construction and development projects.
The Planning & Zoning Commission’s mission is to promote public health, safety and welfare, prevent overcrowding, and ensure that adequate infrastructure and public services are available to support growth.
The P&Z’s work often involves striking a balance between progress and preservation. The public can influence Westport’s future by electing commissioners who share their vision for how the town should grow.
Planning & Zoning Commissioners are elected every two years. This year, 4 candidates are running for 3 open seats.
The Zoning Board of Appeals, meanwhile, is a state-mandated board required in any municipality with a zoning commission.
The ZBA is a quasi-judicial board of 5 elected members, acting primarily as a “safety valve” for the zoning regulations. The ZBA can grant variances from the zoning regulations when an applicant demonstrates a hardship.
The ZBA also has the power to hear and decide appeals from decisions of the zoning enforcement officer, and in limited cases where authorized by regulation, determines when to issue special permits.
To prevail at the ZBA, an applicant must receive the concurring vote of 4 board members.
Elections for ZBA members are held every two years. This year, there are 3 candidates for 2 open seats.
State statutes do not require that the P&Z be elected.
Should we consider amending the Charter to provide that it be appointed? That might produce a welcome mix of expertise and experience.
State statutes provide for Planning and Zoning Commissions Commissions separate from one another with the option to combine the two into a single P&Z.
Should we consider amending the Charter to separate the two functions so as to strengthen the planning function?
I think the PZC is one the most accountable, professionally run elected body here. They are an important check-and -balance as an elected body.
Westport appointed board fails:
Long Lots Building Committee,
Parks and Rec Commission
Downtown Planning and Implementation Committee
With appointed commissions, there is a loss of accountability. Keep them on the ballot. Professionals can be hired as counsel to the Commission.
I think NOT !
Who would we trust to possibly do that.
Not a chance.
And appointed by whom.. ha.. I think absolutely a horrendous idea.
At least this way the public gets to elect the PZ, and while I do wish more people would get involved in seeing what the biggest issues are in this town, until they do at least we have a say in who sits on that commission not having it decided for us.
A disastrous idea.
Anyone who hates how the gardeners were stomped on by the disgraceful LLSBC, and kicked literally to the curb by the Tooker Moore administration knows first hand how committees appointed in opposition to our town charter, operate.
As a bunch of brown nosers.
Pandering to the administrations whims. That includes Mandell and Crowley, Westport Weston chamber of commerce and downtown association. Biggest brown nosers of them all, shafting the very businesses they are meant to protect. At least listen to.
As for the rest of the DPIC committee, another pet project of the Tooker Moore administration, out to destroy the livelihoods of hundreds of merchants who poured their hearts, souls, and hard earned cash into Westports downtown in an effort to make it better.
Only to be met with a ludicrous anti business, clueless committee of lackeys. None with the first clue about running a downtown business.
Now DPIC is being further populated with more YES SIR token members, finally merchants ( but buddies of Tooker and Moore) and no merchants on the busy downtown main street.
TOOKER Moore carefully handpicking their supporters to make sure the truth of their ludicrous plan is hidden.
Ha. It’s comical to watch. And must be called out for the old boys BS that it is.
I will reiterate, with the exception of about 3/20members on the committee we have individuals who haven’t a bulls notion about merchant business.
If Larry is suggesting any committee be appointed, to basically assist the roan group to ram the hamlet down our throats, then a resounding NO, should be shouted from the rooftops.
We may have been born at night, but it was not last night.
Bring on the court case.
The town will win.
And I have no doubt they have zero intention of EVER doing an 8-30g.
It is another bully boy tactic. One we MUST resist.