Running for election on the two-member Board of Assessment Appeals are Elaine S. Arnow, and the current chairman of the board, David B. Krauss, both incumbents and Democrats; and Robert F. Lasprogato, a current Selectman and a Republican challenger. Candidates answered questions about the upcoming 2010 revaluation, the effect of the decreased market value of real estate, and their intention to recognize that all properties are unique and that all appeals should be treated individually and fairly.
The three candidates for the Zoning Board of Appeals include incumbent Democrats Jacqueline J. Massumian; and Douglas J. Bowen and Republican challenger Michael Calise. They reviewed their role granting variances to existing zoning laws, saying they evaluate based on "hardship" situations and without regard to economics. They also agreed each appeal should be evaluated on its individual situation.
Candidates for the Planning and Zoning Commission had the floor for nearly an hour, which was the longest period of time allotted for the candidates. They also had the most heated discussion of the evening, as the three Democrats, including incumbents Ronald D. Corwin, now chairman of the Commission and Howard B. Lathrup, sparred with Desiree Anne Soli, the Republican candidate who also is running on the Save Westport Now platform. Also running on the Democratic ticket is Nora L. Jinishian.
Soli opened the debate by criticizing the Planning and Zoning Commission for failing to update outdated town regulations. Corwin and Lathrop defended the ways the Commission has been trying to deal with many outmoded regulations, such as the decision to relax restrictions on outdoor dining and signs to help small businesses and restaurants during an economically challenging period.
Corwin also described the heavy work load of the commission over the past several years as it spent many hours implementing the new Town Plan of Conservation and Development, and then grappled with the controversial application of the Family Y building a new facility at Mahackeno.
Development of multi-family and affordable housing was a hot button issue as well. Soli accused the Commission of creating a text amendment that would allow developers to run amuck in Westport by allowing too much multi-family housing along the Post Road, the town center or in Saugatuck. She called for rezoning as an alternative, and said residents' property rights were being threatened by the new amendment.
Lathrop defended the Commission's position, saying it has been trying to make more multi-family housing available to senior citizens and to those who require affordable housing. Corwin added, "We have a legal responsibility to provide for a mix of housing. Affordable housing is a complex problem. Under Connecticut general statutes 10 percent of housing should be affordable. If towns do not work provide more, any developer can bring what is known as an 8-30G application and could conceivably buy a two-acre property on Coleytown Road and put up multi-family housing and a court could approve it. Failing to address issues of affordable housing are in fact exposing the neighborhoods, not protecting them."
Jiishian added, "Westport is a welcoming, diverse community. We need affordable housing for seniors, and for those who work here. Westport has always been diverse and we need to keep it that way. It is important for us to take a responsible, community approach."
As the debate went on, it became clear that the three Democrats who are running as a team took strong issue with Soli's comments. Soli argued repeatedly that Westport was facing threats from developers who would destroy the character of the town, and supports rezoning instead of special permits to prevent that possibility, while the incumbent commissioners, Corwin and Lathrop, argued that she was oversimplifying complex problems.
In discussions about the development of Saugatuck, Soli said there would be overbuilding and traffic and the character of the area would be threatened, saying that Westport would soon come to look like Stamford, while the Corwin and Lathrop supported the changes, saying they were a good way to increase legally mandated affordable housing, with attractive units near transportation and in a neighborhood.
Soli repeated, "We will have builders standing in line to put in more housing. We cannot bow to developers."
Lathrop said, "There is a lot of misinformation here," and Corwin said, "Ms. Soli is wrong."
Corwin said it was important to keep work of the Commission in progress without threatening the decisions already underway, such as the movement to install night lighting at Staples for sports events.