Westport Developer David Waldman was back before the Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z) tonight to float a new idea to develop downtown’s Elm Street.

The property at 36 Elm St. would be turned into a parking lot to be swapped for town-owned land in the Baldwin lot across the street. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo

In an informal presentation to the body, Waldman sought feedback on a plan to swap the property at 36 Elm St., currently occupied by the Villa Del Sol Mexican restaurant and empty retail space, for part of the town-owned Baldwin parking lot across the street.

There, behind the Lux Bond & Green Store at 136 Main St., he proposed building a 9,750-square foot building housing a relocated Villa Del Sol, retail space, and four apartments, including one affordable one.

Waldman, who is a principal in developing the Bedford Square project adjoining 36 Elm St., said as part of the swap, he is considering buying the 36 Elm St. property for $5.1 million, knocking it down, and turning it into what would become town parking.

The Westport Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z) tonight made it official – the Boathouse Restaurant at the privately owned Saugatuck Rowing Club, 521 Riverside Ave., can be open to the public. Responding positively to an application by the club’s owners, P&Z Chair Chip Stephens praised the club for its contribution to the town. But at the same time he told Greenwich businessman Howard Winklevoss, representing the owners, that the restaurant, which had been approved for members’ only, represented another example of “coming back for something that has been in violation really for 15 years now.” Winklevoss said having the restaurant officially open to the public was necessary to make it economically viable. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com