Westport P&Z to Address Upper Floor Retail Use on Main St.

Westport Planning & Zoning Director Laurence Bradley announced that on Dec. 6, the Planning & Zoning Commission is scheduled to review a text amendment to the Westport zoning regulations about retail uses above the first floor on Main Street.

Amendment No. 654 (Application No. 12-050) has been submitted by architect William Achilles to the Westport Planning & Zoning Commission to modify the zoning regulations in the Business Center District (BCD), mostly on Main Street, to allow retail uses above the first floor.

Currently, only offices, restaurants, apartments and retail food establishments are allowed above the first floor in the BCD Zone. This amendment, if approved, would greatly expand the ability of retail uses to occupy space on upper floors.

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According to Achilles’ written proposal: “Allowing the maximum flexibility of use of the existing 2 and 3 story buildings will help strengthen the economic viability of the downtown area and ensure that the Plan’s [2007 Plan of Conservation & Development] goals will be achieved.”

All those interested in these amendments are encouraged to attend the Planning & Zoning Commission’s public hearing on Dec. 6 at 7 p.m. in the Westport Town Hall Auditorium.

Copies of the amendments are available for viewing in Town Hall both in the P&Z Office and in the office of the Town Clerk.

The commission can receive written comments from the public in advance of the hearing. Once the hearing is closed, no more information or comments will be accepted.