Baron's South Development Appealed to RTM

A plan to develop Baron’s South into senior housing and a medical facility will face the scrutiny of the Representative Town Meeting. Resident Bart Shuldman submitted a petition today to the Town Clerk appealing an early approval of the project (see attached document).

Now, the town's legislative body has 30 days to act.

Earlier this month, the Planning and Zoning Commission approved an amendment that would pave the way for the senior housing project proposed by First Selectman Gordon Joseloff and his administration. With the petition, signed by more than 50 people, the 36-member RTM could overturn the project with a two-thirds vote

Shuldman has been a vocal critic of the plan, urging town officials not to give away the land “for free” in an .

No design has been submitted to the Planning and Zoning Commission, but the plan is to develop 23 acres of land adjacent to the Westport Center for Senior Activities on Imperial Avenue. The town is seeking to lease the land at a nominal cost to a nonprofit organization, but the exact costs are unknown as a committee drafts a request for proposals. The land set the town back $7 million in 1999 and is now assessed at $19 million.

Conceptual plans presented by Joseloff show a skilled nursing facility for 84 patients and 66 one- and two-bedroom rental units for seniors.

Historically, successful appeals of Planning and Zoning approvals have been rare, but in the last two years it has happened twice, and