5/30/2018 - First Selectman Vicki Tesoro’s Statement on Proposed Zone Change by Westfield Mall
UPDATE: 6/1/18 - The Westfield Mall, in an email to town Planning and Zoning staff and at a meeting with Town residents Wednesday evening (5/30/18), amended its proposal by reducing the number of proposed housing units from 580 to 290.
May 30, 2018 - First Selectman Vicki Tesoro’s Statement on Proposed Zone Change by Westfield Mall
At the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting on May 16, 2018, the Westfield Mall presented a zoning regulation amendment application. Within that amendment, the mall is requesting a number of changes to the present zone. For details of what is being proposed, please contact Town Planner Rob Librandi at (203) 452-5047:
This zoning amendment is early in the process. The town administration has serious concerns regarding the magnitude of the proposed zone change. At the appropriate time in this process, town staff will weigh in with significant comments related to the number of housing units proposed in the zone, the height allowance, bulk requirements, setbacks, and other related items.
Retail has been changing for quite some time, and malls across the nation are reinventing themselves in response to this changing climate. Our mall is an important part of our community. A successful mall is important to everyone in our town, so we intend to work collaboratively with the mall as it goes through its transformation. As with any zoning change, preservation of the quality and character of our community is of paramount concern, and this zoning amendment is no exception.
Additional public comment will be taken at the June 20th Planning and Zoning Commission meeting. Community input is critical to a good result.
I am confident that by working together, negotiating in good faith, and following our well-established zoning processes, we can reach a result that is beneficial to both the mall and to our town.