Plan for Supportive Housing Draws Fire

From quoting Scripture to stifling silent expressions of free speech, Thursday's Planning and Zoning Commission meeting focused on a lengthy and emotional discussion of the Interfaith Housing Association Homes with Hope's plans for supportive housing on the Linxweiler property.

Joanna Linxweiler gifted her 1.3 acre property at 655 Post Road East to the Town of Westport in 1981 with the hope that it remain a green space on highly-traveled commercial corridor, according to her will.

For the past 25 years, the nonprofit organization Homes with Hope has leased the property from the town and has used the five-bedroom home that exists there to serve first as a halfway house for men and most recently as transitional housing for single mothers.

Now the organization wants to add 12 units of supportive housing on the property. 

But before Homes with Hope can submit a site plan detailing that project, it must gain P&Z approval for both a zoning change and a 75-year lease, which the organization says is required to gain state and federal funding to provide such housing to the homeless or those at risk of homelessness.

The proposed zoning change would also affect nearly 40 other sites in town, which is one reason some oppose the request.

Many neighbors and residents of Crescent Road and Sue Terrace who live near the Linxweiler House oppose the project for a variety of reasons. Nearly 50 people attended Thursday's public hearing, many of whom took to the podium to express their views.

Some chose to sit and listen, yet still made their views known by holding yellow signs with the word, "No" in front of their chests.

The same signs were displayaed at last week's meeting. However, this time, P&Z chairman Ron Corwin asked members of the audience to remove the signs, saying it is the practice of the commission not to allow demonstrations. Commissioners Catherine Walsh and Michael Krawiec objected to that and challenged the chair to a vote. 

The commission voted 4-3 that the signs would not be allowed and residents said they would remove them, "in protest."

During public comment, some supporters of Homes with Hope's plans spoke of the community needs for supportive housing and the town's "moral obligation" to provide it.

"I've learned the hard way that mental illness and substance abuse actually ends up touching many families," said Westporter Mark Krosse. "I think of my neighbors who may not have that problem yet or have a family member who may need the support of Interfaith Housing some day. ... We are baiscally 25 years pregnant with this property and there really have not been issues in the past. I support the proposal and I think we also need to support less advantaged members of our town and our community."

Others spoke in opposition, citing safety concerns, increased traffic that could create more dangerous driving conditions, environmental effects of the proposed project and how a 12-unit supportive housing complex would conflict with the will of Joanna Linxweiler.

"We're talking 2090 when this lease would expire; that's almost the year 3000," Crescent Road resident Amy Staw said to the commission. "You are making a permanent decision for what the town will look like and what the people will live with for 75 years. It is my hope and desire that you'll think long and hard on this decision."

Town Attorney Ira Bloom said the commission must only decide if the 75-year lease request and supportive housing on that property is consistent with the town plan.

The Planning and Zoning Commission continued the public hearing until March 11. Commission chairman Ron Corwin said unless the application is withdrawn, the planning body would vote on the matter at its next meeting.