What's in play? - Issues in town or our district that I believe need to be addressed. See my September 2007 op-ed piece about some of these. These pages will alert residents to issues that could affect them.

1. GBD/s General Business District Saugatuck, July 10, 2008 Hearing
   

   In 2005 the Planning and Zoning Commission approved this new zone for Saugatuck Center. This zone would allow multi-family condos with 20% affordable housing. In 2007 the P&Z approved two projects totaling over 50 unites with 10 of them affordable.
   

   Now the developers, who based their plan of the affordable units, want to amend this zone to be able to buy their way out of the affordable component. This is called Text Amendment #584.
   

   On July 10, the P&Z will hold a hearing on this zone change. Here is the information the P&Z has.
   

   GBD/s Zone (as it is now)
   Statement of need (from the applicant)
   Proposed Zone Change (adding ability to do "fee in Lieu" of on site affordable units)
   Town Attorney memo
   Staff Report
   

   My opinion is this: The P&Z and also the RTM (after an appeal by residents) approved this new zone because we believed in the idea of new and diverse housing in the area near the train station that included 20% affordable. This proposed change is not in that spirit, nor is it in the best interests of the Town. Inclusionary projects as approved create the diversity sought and the affordable housing in a timely manner. Allowing the buy out of this aspect of the project is counter productive. If you wish to discuss this or have comments by all means email me at: matthew@westportd1.com .
   

   Also come out to the hearing and let the P&Z know what you think.
   

2. Hiawatha / Old Saugatuck
   

   Here a developer has been buying up small houses in this wonderful "workforce" neighborhood and plans to turn 8 houses into 55 condos or more.
   

   Recently the P&Z turned down a sewer extension which would allow for such density, but this developer will be back. He might use the 8-30g or he might look to get the sewer from somewhere else.
   

   P&Z had pre application hearing Oct 25 with the developer and told him they didn't like his idea.
   

   This one ain't over folks, but for the time being it has been halted. It will be back though and we need to stay vigilant.