Q&A Discussion Tonight on Downtown Development in Westport

The Bedford Square Associates (BSA) purchased 35 Church Lane in late 2010 with the hopes of , according to , President of and a Bedford Square Partner.

BSA will hold the Q&A round-table discussion concerning the zoning change in the Bedford Room of the YMCA at 59 Post Road East from 7-9 p.m. tonight. The purpose of the meeting is to help clear up any misperceptions and fears about the project, discuss the projects preliminary design ideas and to listen to the communities' questions. 

“The re-zoning is just the first of several steps required to achieve our ultimate goal; a sustainable development with the proper density, scale, character and diversity of uses (commercial and residential), ,” Waldman said.

Although BSA made a clear presentation to the commission nearly two weeks ago, Waldman said it is evident from as to what they are requesting. 

Below are the key points of BSA’s request:

1. The RORD and BCD result in the same amount of allowable commercial space – the key difference is that BSA would be able to provide more residential in the BCD.
2. The zone change would allow BSA to build no more than 19,859 s/f in two separate buildings and each building could not be larger than 10,000 square feet or higher than three stories or 35 feet.
3. The zone change would allow BSA to create a single underground parking lot with over 100 parking spaces. 
4. The zone changes allows for a natural and compatible infill to activities on both ends of Church Lane.

In summary, Waldman said the benefits of BSA’s proposal and ultimately a zone change are:

• More on-site parking
• More downtown housing
• More downtown activity
• More tax revenue
• Compatibility with Town Plan objectives

“We care deeply about the character of our town, the quality of our development and its overall success.  It is our goal to create something that enhances downtown Westport and stimulates activity at all times of the day,” Waldman said. “This project on Church Lane and Elm Street will be something all residents and visitors to Westport will be proud to have in the Downtown area.”