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ROSA Update - June 04, 1999

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Important Reminder!

TUESDAY, JUNE 8, 1999, 8:00 p.m.
VETERANS PARK SCHOOL AUDITORIUM

As you know, the Ridgefield P&Z will hold its first public hearing on Eureka's proposed changes in our zoning regulations to create a "mixed use corporate development" (MUCD) in our CDD (corporate development district) zone. Approximately 370 of the total 670 acres of the Bennetts Ponds property is currently zoned CDD. This change is essential to Eureka's plans to construct their proposed hotel/conference center, townhouse condominiums, golf course and single family homes on the property. Although there are many more hurdles ahead for the developers before they can realize their development objectives, ROSA believes it is absolutely critical that this change in zoning regulations be denied.

CONNECTICUT STATUTES & OUR ARGUMENTS

Land use decisions, including changes in zoning regulations, are governed by state statute. The critical statute in zoning decisions is C.G.S. 8-2, which says that zoning regulations "shall be designed to lessen congestion in the streets; to secure safety from fire, panic, flood, and other dangers; to promote health and general welfare; to provide adequate light and air; to prevent the overcrowding of land; to avoid undue concentration of population and to facilitate the adequate provision for transportation, water, sewerage, schools, parks and other public requirements. Such regulations shall be made with reasonable consideration as to the character of the district and its peculiar suitability for particular uses and with a view to conserving the value of the buildings and encouraging the most appropriate use of land throughout such municipality."

The language of this statute provides us with a vast array of legitimate issues under which we can attack the proposed change in regulations. ROSA's attorney, Frank Cochran, is prepared to present legal arguments against the proposed changes on our behalf. However, it is up to the public to help persuade the Commissioners that this change should not be made.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

1. Attend the public hearing, and be prepared to make a statement opposing the proposed changes. You may address any one or several of the issues included in CGS 8-2 (water, sewer, traffic, school crowding, need for open space, environmental problems associated with golf courses, drinking water/watershed protection, wildlife, etc.). If you choose to speak, be sure to identify yourself by name and address for the record. Also be sure to bring a hard copy of your statement to the hearing and hand it to Town Planner Ozzie Inglese when you are done.
   
   
2. If you do not want to make a statement, or cannot attend the hearing, please submit a letter in writing to the P&Z prior to the hearing. It will be read into the record at the hearing.
   
   
3. Please tell your friends and neighbors to attend. WE NEED A VERY LARGE CROWD TO ATTEND THIS AND ALL SUBSEQUENT HEARINGS AND MEETINGS! It is very likely that the hearing will be continued, so please plan to attend the second hearing even if you miss the first. Eureka is counting on wearing us down, and we cannot let this happen.
   
   
4. We must look and act professional, and stay cool. Our goal is to persuade the Commission that approving these changes is the wrong thing to do for Ridgefield, and we must provide them with a legal basis for doing so. Being an angry mob will not help us achieve our goal.
   
   
5. Be courteous and civil to all speakers, commissioners and staff. Booing is probably not appropriate, but applause is fine. It will be difficult not to react as a crowd to Eureka's representatives' presentations, but we must try. Please refrain from personal attacks against the owners. Stay focused on what they want to do to the property, not on who they are.

The structure of the hearing will be as follows: Eureka's presentations, reading of technical correspondence, public comment, and Commissioner questions. Dr. Gelfman has indicated his intention to end the hearing promptly at 11:00 p.m., but it is expected that the hearing will be continued to two or more additional meetings so that all of the public can be heard.

On behalf of the Board of Directors of ROSA, I thank you for your continued support and concern. We hope to see you all on Tuesday.


Ellen Burns
President
Ridgefield Open Space Association, Inc.