What’s next for the property, bordered by Riverside Avenue, Railroad Place and Charles Street?
Stay tuned.
Artist’s rendering of the Hamlet at Saugatuck project.
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Hoop dreams have come true for over 50 youngsters in Santo Domingo.
They’re the recipients of uniforms and basketballs, donated by Westport residents through Westport PAL.
Full Court Peace — a Norwalk organization that provides equipment to under-served communities — facilitated the delivery. They run frequent trips to the Dominican Republic, to repair courts and support youth leagues.
Boys in Santo Domingo sport Westport basketball jerseys.
The Westport Rotary and Sunrise Rotary Clubs join their Norwalk and Wilton Rotary colleagues this Saturday, to help ease food insecurity.
At the Saugatuck Congregational Church event, dozens of volunteers will pack 12,500 nutritious meals. The clubs will then deliver them to Homes With Hope in Westport and Open Doors in Norwalk, for distribution through food pantries.
The church is providing the space, and custodial setup and cleanup, at no charge.
It’s a hometown event. Corbelli — a Westport resident — knows something about making a lasting impact.
As the first female founder in the advertising technology industry, she pioneered interactive TV with her company BrightLine. Her technology platform SustainChain addresses global sustainability and justice.
Jazz pianist Matt DeChamplain brings his James P. Johnson-, Fats Waller-, Willie “The Lion” Smith- and Art Tatum-influenced talents to Jazz at the Post this Thursday (February 19, VFW Post 399; shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner from 7).
He’s joined by long time associates Matt Dwonszyk (bass) and Jonathan Barber (drums), plus Kerry MacKillop (trumpet) and Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall (saxophone).
Jerry Kennedy, the guitarist, producer and record executive who had a major hand in shaping the music being made in Nashville in the 1960s and ’70s, including chart-topping hits by Roger Miller, Roy Orbison, Tom T. Hall and Tammy Wynette, died on Wednesday in hospice care in Franklin, Tenn. He was 85.
It was not until paragraph 8 that we learn he “unleash(ed) the ferocious guitar solo” that opens “Oh, Pretty Woman.”
For the second time yesterday, a technical glitch prevented David Rosenwaks from joining our Instagram Live.
It was not his fault. He’s a very tech-savvy guy. The blame lies elsewhere — I’ll take it!
But the third time will be the charm. Because Dave and I will be together, in person. No issues with remote.
The date is this Friday (September 5), at 4 p.m. We’re on Instagram @06880danwoog.
Thanks for your patience!
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When the Planning && Zoning Commission voted 4-0 (with 3 abstentions) to deny ROAN Ventures’ Hamlet at Saugatuck application, many town officials and residents expected an appeal.
The developers of the retail/residential/event space project have indeed gone to court.
But another legal action is in the works too.
Gloria Gouveia — former Westport zoning administrator, and founder of her own Land Use Consultants firm — has filed a zoning amendment application with the P&Z.
Its goal is to repeal regulations adopted in 2022 — at ROAN’s request — that allowed the firm to propose the Hamlet.
Citing the length of the application process and the difficulty of determining the proposed development’s compliance with the regulation (Section 24C), Gouveia’s request includes reasons in support of the repeal, and a list of benefits to the town should the repeal be granted.
Gouveia says this is her first application to repeal a zoning regulation in her 40-plus year career.
Part of the Hamlet plan, as seen from the Saugatuck River.
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Speaking of local politics: As reported by “06880” earlier, Altice has rearranged its Optimum channels.
Government meetings are no longer available on Channel 78. They can now be found on Channel 1310.
If you’re a T-Mobile customer in Weston, you’re probably not reading this on your phone.
Weston Today reports that a sudden shutdown in cell service has resulted from the company not coming to terms with the town on a lease of a tower.
The town has reached agreements with AT&T and Verizon.
First Selectwoman Samantha Nestor notes that the decision to shut down service was made by T-Mobile, not the town. The company did so without notifying town officials or customers.
Weston Today says, “The shutdown appears to affect all Weston T-Mobile users, including students, teachers, and emergency responders. Users in nearby towns may also be affected.” Click here for the full story.
Members enjoy clam bakes, coffees, holiday parties, kayaking, barbecues, happy hours, wine tastings and TGIF get-togethers.
They play canasta. They go hiking and to movies. There is a book club, culinary group and luncheon club. There are trips to museums, baby and toddler play groups, and girls’ nights out. The group is always looking for new ideas, and very responsive to members’ needs.
It’s not just a “newcomers” group. All Westporters are welcome. Though most are women, men are active too. There are singles as well as couples.
For membership information, email membershipnnwestport@gmail.com. For events: eventsnnwestport@gmail.com. For all other questions, contact presidentnnwestport@gmail.com.
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And the winner is …
“The Edge of Water.”The multi-generational debut novel by Olufunke Grace Bankole is the winner of the 2025 Westport Prize for Literature. The award is presented annually to an original work of literary fiction that is both relevant and timeless.
Bankole will be honored at the Westport Library on November 6 (7 p.m.). She will then take part in a special conversation with Yale Review editor Meghan O’Rourke.
Copies of “The Edge of Water” will available for purchase and signing.
This is the third year for the $10,000 prize. Previous honorees were Zadie Smith for “The Fraud,” and Alejandro Puyana (“Freedom is a Feast”).
The 2 other Westport Prize finalists this year were “O Sinners: by Nicole Cuffy, and “Rabbit Moon” by Jennifer Haigh.
“The Edge of Water” follows Amina, who moves from Nigeria to New Orleans to forge her own path. But a hurricane threatens to destroy the city, upending everything she’d dreamed of and the lives of all she holds dear. Years later, her daughter is left with questions about the mother she barely knew, and the family she has yet to discover in Nigeria.
Submissions for the 2025 prize were read and vetted by a team of nearly 50 volunteer readers. The best-reviewed books advancing to a jury, for final selection.
On September 16 (8 p.m.), the University of Rochester astrophysics professor offers a Westport Astronomical Society lecture on “The Search for Life in the Universe.”
The WAS calls him “a leading expert on the final stages of evolution for stars like the sun. (His computational group) has developed advanced supercomputer tools for studying how stars form and how they die. A self-described ‘evangelist of science,’ he is also committed to showing others the beauty and power of science, and exploring the proper context of science in culture.”
Westport town attorney Ira Bloom, a senior partner at Berchem Moses, recently received the Marvin J. Glink Private Practice Local Government Attorney Award from the International Municipal Lawyers Association (IMLA).
It recognizes “an exceptional private practice attorney serving municipal clients who demonstrates the traditional qualities of excellence in the practice of law, along with providing outstanding service to the public, and who possesses an exemplary reputation in the legal community, the highest of ethical standards, who is devoted to mentoring young lawyers, and who is devoted to educating lawyers in local government law.”
Bloom has been Westport’s town attorney since 1998. He holds similar positions in New Canaan and Weston. He is also town counsel for Wilton, and counsel for Easton.
For months, the Westport Alliance for Saugatuck was one of the fiercest voices against the Hamlet at Saugatuck project. The grassroots group cited traffic, parking, density, changes to our “small town charm” — and many other reasons — as they urged town officials to reject the proposal.
Last month, the Planning & Zoning Commission voted 4-0, with 3 abstentions, against the Hamlet.
Within a few days, ROAN Ventures — the developer of the Hamlet residential/hotel/retail/event space project — announced an 8-30 development.
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. Its name: The Alliance for Saugatuck Housing Opportunity.
The Westport Alliance for Saugatuck writes:
The tide has turned on Hamlet, and brought us other choices for Saugatuck.
ROAN has appealed the P&Z’s correct denial of its incomplete Hamlet application. We understand they may already be in negotiations with the town. And using the same threat used in 2022 to create the Saugatuck text amendment that increased zoning by 800%, exclusively for the properties they controlled.
In their Instagram and TikTok posts, ROAN attempts to blame the Westport Alliance for Saugatuck for their 100-foot high 8-30g project, even misappropriating our name to confuse residents. This is why we strongly felt the need to clear the air.
Artists’ rendering of ROAN Ventures’ 8-30g project.
The real Westport Alliance for Saugatuck is the voice of thousands of residents who are too smart for a blame game.
Six months ago, residents from every corner of town — parents, commuters, small-business owners — came together to oppose ROAN’s dense, urbanized Hamlet proposal. Concerns ranged from choking traffic and lost commuter parking to environmental and public safety risks.
From those meetings, the Westport Alliance for Saugatuck was born. We now represent over 5,000 residents — multi-partisan, multi-generational — united for smart Saugatuck development that strengthens Westport without sacrificing its character or safety.
The tide on this project has turned.
Each day brings new voices who have changed their thinking on the Hamlet project. Many were initially in favor, and believed ROAN would create something special.
From the Westport Alliance for Saugatuck website: ROAN Ventures’ original 2022 rendering, during their text amendment hearing …
Every day more stand up to express their disappointment and frustration at how this project morphed from the promised quaint New England coastal village to an oversized urban plan.
… and the same view from the Saugatuck River, in a 2025 view.
All along, many of Westport’s smartest minds gave ROAN advice, methods for compliance, and numerous ideas to make their project acceptable. They refused.
With time running out on public hearings, they were urged to withdraw and refile. Again, they refused.
It’s not an either/or choice.
ROAN wants you to believe it’s their way or their gulag. This is false.
An 8-30g project means 70% of residences will be market rate. No market rate buyer will buy or rent an apartment in a building that looks like a prison, or doesn’t have adequate parking.
ROAN knows this threat is hollow, and only meant to scare the town into giving them concessions.
Many residents ask whether we should negotiate with ROAN. Can we trust them to keep their word?
Westport is an extraordinary, wealthy and desirable place. Our town does not have to bend for any developer. We hold the cards. The Hamlet application was rightly denied for substantive reasons. The appeal will fail.
Unless ROAN is willing to make the same pivot smart Westporters have made, to listen to residents and answer their needs, there is no reason to negotiate. Westport deserves a smart, well-planned, development that fuels a bright future for Saugatuck.
A future with green space, riverfront access, housing (both affordable and market rate), retail and offices — without crippling traffic, parking shortages or safety hazards – all while making attractive returns for a developer and investors. But this takes an experienced developer who listens to residents.
The real Westport Alliance for Saugatuck will see this through to help create this bright future. Together, we stopped the Hamlet. Together, we can do it again, even with the inevitable Superior Court appeal.
In the meantime, we’ll continue to ensure the voice of the public is heard. We invite you to join us!
(“06880″‘s Opinion pages are open to all residents. Email submissions to 06880blog@gmail.com)
As Westport’s selectperson’s race ramps up, “06880” is there.
This afternoon (4 p.m.), Dan Woog and TV journalist Dave Briggs take their InstagramLive camera into the political arena. We’ll chat with Republican-endorsed candidates Don O’Day and Andrea Moore. It’s the first in a series we’ll do, with all those running.
Find us @06880danwoog at 4 today. We’ll take your questions, and listen to your comments.
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Westport Rotary Club LobsterFest tickets go on sale tomorrow (Friday), at 10 a.m.
Rotary officials sent an incorrect link, which was posted yesterday. Here’s how to get tickets tomorrow morning, starting at 10: Click here, then follow the prompts.
Yesterday morning, alert “06880” reader Mark Mathias spotted 4 of them.
(Photo/Mark Mathias)
Mark has no idea where they came from. Perhaps, he says, they’re friends of the stuffed animal at Trader Joe’s. (It’s “hidden” in the store. If a child finds it and brings it to the front, he or she is rewarded with candy or a sticker.)
There are many mysteries in Westport. (Including at Winslow — for example, the oddly symmetrical, strangely placed slightly creepy hill near the entrance.)
If you’ve got any info — or even a theory — about these stuffed animals, click “Comments” below.
On Tuesday at Yankee Stadium, Westport resident Stew Leonard Jr. threw out the first pitch, against the Minnesota Twins. It was a perfect strike.
The supermarket mogul wore a custom jersey, courtesy of the Yanks, emblazoned with #38 and “Stewie.”
It honored his toddler son, Stew Leonard III, who drowned in 1989. Stewie would have been 38 this year.
Stew was selected for the honor of throwing out the first pitch by Yankees sponsor Mike’s Amazing, in recognition of his quick action in saving a choking crew member at the WPIX Channel 11 studio on August 1.
Mayor Adams declared yesterday “Stew Leonard Day” in New York, in honor of his heroics. Click here or below for the Instagram. (Hat tip: Susan Farley)
Speaking of sports: Staples High School football is just beginning its new season. They’ve got a new coach, Matty Jacowleff.
But some things don’t change. This afternoon, the program hosts its 6th annual Murph Challenge.
It’s a culmination of their summer fundraising, for both the football program and the Catch a Lift Fund (the non-profit that helps post-9/11 combat-injured veterans regain mental and physical health).
The event begins at 4:30 p.m., with Catch a Lift veteran Andy Smith talking to the players about sacrifice, resilience and commitment.
Then the athletes take on the Murph Challenge. It includes a mile run, 100 pull-ups, 200 push-ups, 300 squats, and another mile run. (With a modified version for linemen!)
Everyone is invited to Paul Lane Field, to listen to Smith’s talk, and watch the Wreckers take on the Murph. Donations are welcome by Venmo: @Staples-Gridiron.
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Westport Police made 11 custodial arrests, in the 2 weeks between July 30 and August 12.
Five New York City males, ages 31, 18, 18, 17 and 15, were charged with forgery, and conspiracy to commit forgery, after attempting to pass counterfeit bills at local businesses. The 31-year-old was also charged with risk of injury to a minor.
A 38-year-old Milford man was charged with larceny, criminal attempt and conspiracy to commit larceny, and failure to appear, after officers responded at 3:44 a.m. to a report from a homeowner that someone had entered and searched her unlocked vehicle, parked in her driveway. A nearby resident reported that items had been stolen from his unlocked vehicle too. An officer observed a suspicious vehicle parked in the middle of the road on an adjacent street. The operator fled, but at the same time another man was seen walking toward the vehicle. He admitted to entering the unlocked vehicles. He was unable to post a $10,000 bond. The second suspect’s identity is still under investigation.
A 28-year-old Bridgeport woman was charged with larceny, after complaints from 3 residents regarding missing jewelry from their homes. An investigation revealed that all 3 employed the same cleaning service. An employee of the service was pawning the jewelry. She was unable to post a $250,000 bond.
A 25-year-old Old Greenwich woman was charged with larceny, after shoplifting $14,651 worth of goods at Michells. She was released on a $10,000 bond.
A 41-year-old Stamford man was charge with larceny, after a report that jewelry valued at $10,000 was missing from a home. The suspect worked for a company that provided service at the victim’s home. He was released on a $25,000 bond.
A 43-year-old Westport man was charged with criminal possession of a firearm. He was ineligible to possess the Taurus .357 magnum handgun. He was unable to post a $100,000 bond.
A 59-year-old Stratford man was charged with failure to appear. He was released on a $10,000 bond.
WEstport Police also issued these citations:
Traveling unreasonably fast: 17 citations
Driving while texting: 12
Failure to obey stop sign: 12
Speeding: 4
Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 4
Distracted driving: 3
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 3
Operating an unregistered motor vehcile: 3
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 3
Texting while driving (2nd offense): 2
Failure to obey state traffic commission regulations: 2
Possession of a vicious/barking dog: 1
Permitting a dog to roam: 1
Following too closely: 1
Failure to grant right of way: 1
Failure to drive in the proper lane: 1
Failure to drive right: 1
Improper stop: 1
Failure to insure a motor vehicle: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1
Failure to renew registration: 1
Failure to carry driver’s license: 1
A citation was issued for a vicious/barking dog. This is not it.
The Planning & Zoning Commission meets in executive session at 4 p.m. today, at the law office f Berchem Moses.
There is one agenda item: “Discussion of pending litigation, Roan Development Ventures LLC v. Planning and Zoning Commission of the Town of Westport, for property at 601, 606, and 609 Riverside Ave, 91 and 96 Franklin St, 2 and 16 Railroad Place (The Hamlet at Saugatuck).”
It is the first of many such discussions, following the filing of a lawsuit against the P&Z by the developer, following denial of its proposed Saugatuck project.
Speaking of public hearings: The Planning & Zoning Department says that scammers have contacted residents regarding zoning and/or public hearing applications.
The bad guys falsely claim that a “public hearing fee” must be paid directly to them before an application can proceed.
The town of Westport will never request payment fees through phone calls, texts, emails or payment apps like Venmo, Zelle or CashApp.
All official fees are paid directly to the town through established, secure payment methods.
Scammers may use official-sounding titles, fake letterheads, or spoofed phone numbers to appear legitimate.
If you receive a suspicious request:
Do not provide personal or financial information.
Do not send payment.
Contact the P&Z Department immediately (203 341-1030) to verify the legitimacy of any request.
Report the incident to the Westport Police Department: 203- 341-6000.
The other day, “06880” published a photo of parking signs downtown.
They showed new 2-hour limits (down from 3) on several streets. (Parking lots are not affected.)
The signs said the limits were in effect from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. — even though the new regulation does not start until 8 .m.
In fact the erroneous signs had already been changed, by the town Highway Department.
They were clearly way ahead of “06880.”
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Speaking of downtown: The public is invited to his year’s free Japanese Fall Festival (Saturday, September 6, 1-4 p.m., Jesup Geen).
The family-friendly festival is sponsored by the Japan Society of Fairfield County. It features taiko drum performances, brief plays of Japanese folk tales, martial arts demonstrations, and traditional dancing.
We’ve reported on the success of the Fairfield Little League team — regional champs, now competing in the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvan — several times, because pitcher Ben Herbst is the son of a Staples grad, nephew of another, and grandson of Mickey and Candace Herbst.
But there are other reasons to root for our neighbors, too.
Jennifer (Zeoli) Curley is a 1996 Staples graduate. Her son Colin is on the team — and her husband Tom is one of the coaches.
Britt (Horton) Dunlap is a 1999 Staples grad. Her son Boden is on the squad too.
Fairfield won their first game in Williamsport last night. They play tomorrow night (Friday, 7 p.m.) against Hawaii. The game will be televised on ESPN.
Here’s hoping they go at least as far as the 2013 Westport team — World Series finalists! (Hat tip: Chuck Haberstroh)
Boden Dunlap, Ben Herbst and Colin Curley are all in this photo.
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Pam Docters describes today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature photo: “Gorgeous contrast of the blue sky and the white hydrangeas on Saugatuck Shores!”
And finally … you may have predicted this, from the Police Reports (above):
(Winslow Park, Staples football, Westport police — a few of the things that make our town special, all together in one Roundup. If you enjoy features like this, please click here to support us. Thanks!)
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 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.
Less than 2 weeks after its rejection, The Hamlet is back in the news.
ROAN Ventures — the developer of the proposed residential/ hotel/retail/event space Saugatuck project — appealed the decision.
In a filing late yesterday in Bridgeport Superior Court, ROAN alleges that Westport’s Planning & Zoning Commission acted “illegally, arbitrarily and in abuse of discretion,” in its 4-0 vote (with 3 abstentions) on July 28.
ROAN asks the court to direct the P&Z to grant approval, and pay the developer’s legal fees.
The appeal was expected by many town officials.
Aerial rendering of the Hamlet at Saugatuck project.
ROAN’s project began with a text amendment allowing development at the site bordered by Riverside Avenue, Railroad Place and Charles Street, and along the Saugatuck River.
It continued through many iterations, and hundreds of hours of meetings.
In its appeal, filed by attorney Eric Bernheim, ROAN says it complied with all applicable regulations, including “height, lot area, setbacks, building coverage, total coverage, building spacing, floor area, density, public waterfront access, architectural design, signage, parking and loading, traffic, public health and safety, and landscaping.”
Throughout the process, ROAN says, they worked with the P&Z’s consultants to address concerns, including building height, density and coverage.
The denial was “unreasonable, arbitrary and illegal,” the appeal says. The reasons for the decision were “inadequate, insufficient, and/or not supported by substantial evidence.”
Further, the P&Z decision “exceeded (its) jurisdiction and authority.”
The appeal alleges errors by the P&Z in incorrectly including a parcel not under contract in the total waterfront frontage, and referencing an “outdated and superseded rendering” of the waterfront buildings.
Furthermore, the court document says, the commission “ignored and disregarded all expert testimony and uncontested facts, from both Roan and the Commission’s own staff and … consultants,” in areas including traffic and the waterside garage entrance/exit.
Don O’Day is a former Board of Education chair. He led the Coleytown Middle School renovation, and currently serves on the Representative Town Meeting (RTM) and Long Lots School Building Committee.
Andrea Moore is Westport’s 2nd selectwoman. She is a former Board of Finance vice chair and former RTM member.
They are running on the Republican ticket for the Board of selectmen. In the wake of last night’s Planning & Zoning Commission decision on The Hamlet at Saugatuck, they say:
ROAN Ventures’ proposal to build a mixed-use waterfront development called The Hamlet was denied by the Planning & Zoning Commission last night.
This has been a long and difficult process — for Westport residents, the P&Z, and ROAN Ventures. But make no mistake: Last night’s decision by the P&Z is not the end of the road. Far from it.
The Hamlet plan was denied last night. But discussion of what comes next for Saugatuck will continue.
Westport’s leaders, property owners and residents must now consider the next steps. The O’Day–Moore campaign for selectmen sees two:
The applicant withdraws and resubmits a new Hamlet proposal.
This is our preferred outcome.
Very often, a denial — however frustrating — is simply one step on the road to a mutually agreeable solution. Come November, Westport will have new members and leadership across our local government. With new faces may come fresh thinking, and new ideas should be on the table. Thoughtful suggestions recently offered by several respected members of the community deserve serious evaluation.
Let’s also acknowledge that developers seek a return on investment. Investor profitability isn’t about greed; it is a basic reality of business — but by no means guaranteed. It is why people risk personal capital.
The O’Day–Moore campaign views this moment not as a final rejection, but as an opportunity to move forward constructively, with the knowledge that development in the Saugatuck area is a positive outcome. Importantly, the O’Day–Moore pledge is that all development must consider the myriad concerns raised by residents during the many hearings held on this issue.
The applicant moves ahead with a large-scale 8-30g project.
We hope this does not happen.
First and foremost, threats — explicit or implied — make resolution harder. We urge a tone of collaboration, not confrontation.
As we all know, Connecticut’s 8-30g statute allows developers to bypass local zoning regulations in towns where less than 10% of housing is considered affordable. A massive 8-30g development in Saugatuck could place significant strain on Westport’s infrastructure—particularly our schools, roads and other vital services.
One possible 8-30g proposal for Saugatuck.
ROAN Ventures’ Hamlet proposal was not presented under the terms of the 8-30g statute. Therefore, it went through a robust local process where zoning protections applied.
Losing local control through a state override is not in our town’s best interest.
Let us be clear: Affordable housing must be part of Westport’s future. If elected, the O’Day–Moore team is committed to working with the Planning & Zoning Commission to promote an affordable housing provision in town and a cohesive zoning plan for Westport.
On Traffic: Let’s Try Solutions — Now
Traffic in Saugatuck is a known and daily frustration. Commuters rushing to or from the train experience it. So do parents, business owners and visitors.
Interestingly, the Hamlet proposal included ideas to reduce congestion while adding density — something that may sound counterintuitive but merits exploration. Proposals such as smart traffic-light management (via remote monitoring), converting one-way streets to two-way, or other design tweaks deserve immediate consideration.
If we can implement even a few of these ideas and they help — why wait?
ROAN Ventures offered several ideas for traffic mitigation and improvement.
A Path Forward
Reopening this discussion will require a willingness to begin again — by both sides. A reassessment period makes sense. Then let’s return to the table with a shared goal: smart planning for Westport’s future.
In what is probably the most unsurprising bit of news in Westport, the Planning & Zoning Commission voted last night to deny the application for the embattled Saugatuck development.
ROAN Ventures sought to develop a multi-use development of 11 buildings, including retail, hotel and residential, between the Saugatuck River, Charles Street, Franklin Street and Railroad Place.
The project was struck down by a vote of 4 “no”s, and 3 abstentions. The decision was widely anticipated, after the commission’s straw vote during its work session last Monday.
Last night became largely a formality, meant to officially vote on a resolution of denial written by planning director Michelle Perillie.
The most recent Hamlet plan. Railroad Place is at the bottom of the rendering. Charles Street is at the top Riverside Avenue on the right.
Official denials were recorded by commissioners Patrizia Zucaro, Amy Wistreich, Michael Calise and chair Paul Lebowitz. Commissioners Neil Cohn, Michael Cammeyer and Bre Injeski abstained from the vote.
“I cannot be in the majority tonight,” said Cohn. “We’re doing a real disservice to our town. I truly worry about the long-term consequences of our decision in our community.”
The project, which has been in development and negotiations for more than 3 years, has been met with great enthusiasm by some. Others voiced concerns about the effect it could have on traffic, parking, pedestrian safety, the environment and waterfront access.
The denial was based on reasons the P&Z felt that the application did not meet the requirements of the text amendment that was passed in 2022, creating a new zoning district in Saugatuck.
Among the items noted in the denial: the disapproval by the Architectural Review Board, as well as the opinion that the buildings proposed for the Hamlet “did not meet the scale or feel of a New England Vernacular Village,” as ROAN had billed it.
A majority of P&Z members opposed the “scale and feel” of the Hamlet project.
ROAN had come back to the drawing board several times after parking issues were raised, leaving commissioners feeling that there were more questions than answers.
Some of those issues included an unclear plan for on-site employee parking, loading and unloading zones, and underground parking stackers that would have created queuing concerns on nearby roads.
Pedestrian safety concerns were also raised about the “bend” on Railroad Place, where the entrance of one of the parking garages would have been located.
“The applicant’s proposal indicates that employees may have to take the train to work, which is unacceptable to the commission,” according to a draft of the denial resolution read by commissioner Zucaro Monday evening.
Another issue included in the denial was that the application did not conform with a waterfront accessibility requirement of at least 25 percent. The project as presented would have provided only 19 percent, according to the denial document.
Last night’s vote was the culmination of many P&Z meetings. This April public session drew a full house to Town Hall. (Photo/Andrew Colabell)
Town Attorney Ira Bloom told the P&Z last night that he expects ROAN Ventures to appeal the decision.
The developer has said publicly that upon denial, they plan to file an application with the town to build a 500-unit affordable housing development under the state’s 8-30g law. Three massive buildings, 8 stories tall – 6 floors of housing, above 2 for parking – would be constructed on the Hamlet footprint.
Because it’s an 8-30g development, the town would have far less say regarding parking and other issues surrounding the development.
“This door in our community is of course still open,” said Lebowitz, indicating that he’d be interested in seeing similar applications that could work in different parts of town.
He added that the threat of an affordable housing application as a “second choice” should never be a bargaining chip for future applications.
“To those who say we should have looked to the future and been worried about what they could bring, I say that would never be a choice for this commissioner. That’s a non-starter for me.”
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)
The end of the line seems near for the Hamlet at Saugatuck — the controversial project in and around the Westport train station.
“06880” reporter John H. Palmer writes:
And then there was one ….
One more week, that is, before Westport finally finds out if the Hamlet development in Saugatuck will be approved, or if the developers will follow through with a promised 8-30g affordable housing development instead.
The Planning & Zoning Commission Monday night came one step closer to making a decision about the embattled waterfront development that could bring a multi-use development of 11 buildings, including retail, hotel and residential buildings between the Saugatuck River, Charles Street, Franklin Street and Railroad Place.
A final vote on the application by ROAN Ventures will take place next Monday, (July 28). Based on a straw count taken last night, the Hamlet application likely will be denied by a vote of 4-3.
Commissioners Paul Lebowitz, Michael Calise, Amy Wistreich and Patrizia Zucaro voiced disapproval of the project. Neil Cohn, Breann Injeski and Michael Cammeyer voted in favor.
Aerial rendering of the Hamlet project. Railroad Place is at the bottom; Riverside Avenue and the Saugatuck River are on the right.
The night began with a motion by Zucaro, seconded by Calise, to flat-out deny the application. Chairman Lebowitz, on advice from town attorney Ira Bloom, steered the meeting to focus on discussion of why the project should be denied.
Feedback gained will be used by P&Z director Michelle Perillie to draft a final resolution that will be voted on at next Monday’s meeting.
Much of Monday night’s evening focused around final discussions about why the developers did not meet the requirements of the 2022 text amendment, which was passed to steer the development of the project.
Lebowitz said several times that he felt that developers waited until the last minute to address concerns about the application regarding traffic, parking, waterfront access, building density and architectural issues.
“It’s a terrible way to do an application. This whole thing has been a terrible way,” he said. “It almost seemed like we were creating the application, not them.”
Cohn, who has publicly announced that he will not seek reelection, said he had reservations about denying the application. He would have preferred to see the application withdrawn to give the developers more chance to address public concerns brought up during hearing process.
“When we asked for something, they were responsive,” he said. “I care about doing the right thing, more than I do about my political career. Legally, we’ve been told they comply. After 3 years of this process, I don’t know how we can deny it.”
Earlier this year, ROAN officials showed how the Hamlet’s height would compare to National Hall downtown.
He added he is worried that a denial will affect how developers view the way that Westport handles development, and how that may affect the way the town attracts future development.
The P&Z has been in a 65-day, legally mandated deliberation period since closing the hearing portion of the application June 18, with a final decision legally required by August 20.
ROAN Ventures has said they would come back with a 500-unit affordable housing development if the Hamlet is denied.
Three massive buildings, 8 stories tall – 6 floors of housing, above 2 for parking – would be constructed on the Hamlet footprint. As an 8-30g development, the town would have far less say regarding parking and other issues surrounding the development.
(“06880” has followed the long Hamlet debate — and will continue to report on Saugatuck’s future. If you appreciate our coverage, please clikc here to support our work.
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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.
