To the Editor:
I have lived in Westport for 25 years and am president of SIR Development, LLC a new construction luxury home builder. I have noted that historic structures and their place in this town have been a constant debate.
This house at 25 Center St. was the subject of lengthy negotiations with developer Rob Haroun and the town. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
During this time, hundreds of older homes have been demolished to make room for larger ones leaving a small inventory of older structures that retain the character of yesteryear. Some efforts have been made to create incentive programs for saving these structures through the existing 32–18 zoning regulations, but clearly the existing regulations fall short.
After seeing that 32-18 was deficient, we embarked on an effort to amend Section 32-18. With a specific property in mind, 25 Center St., we saw an opportunity to save an historic structure and provide a win-win for both the town and preservationists.
Knowing that the process was quite protracted, we proceeded in good faith with the town and the community to accomplish this goal.
During a year-long process, we drafted regulations which allowed the historic property to be carved out of the existing lot and reduce the height, size and scope of what could be built on the entire non-conforming AAA zoned property, with the town and its boards having multiple oversight during this process.
The Historic District Commission approved the regulation with the Planning and Zoning Board following suit. All that remained was an Architectural Review Board (ARB) approval.
Unfortunately, the ARB unanimously rejected the project. Having never been a part of the original HDC and Planning and Zoning Board review process, the ARB questioned the appropriateness of the revised regulation, the desire to redefine size and shape of the lots and whether it was in the town’s best interest to save a historic structure.
The ARB argued that adding an additional home created a density issue that did not justify saving a historic home. This resulted in the HDC reconsidering their previous decision and essentially killing the project.
It should be noted that the proposed project was smaller than allowed by the current zoning regulations but the ARB’s desire to control any additional lots for density purposes prevailed. They requested a one story one bedroom house that made the project financially unrealistic.
I started this process in good faith with an attempt to voluntarily find a solution acceptable to town boards and departments and the Greens Farms neighborhood. However, the desires of the ARB to control the process resulted in a loss for all.
After spending much of my own time and money, I will now revert back to the original plan to demolish the structure and build as we see fit under the current zoning laws. There will be nothing to show for the good intentions by all.
My recommendation for other homeowners that own historic structures, unless the process is streamlined, apply for your demo permit, wait 180 days, then do as you please.
Robert Haroun, president
SIR Development, LLC
Westport
I find this surprising and unsettling. As a resident of Green Farms, who worked hard with my neighbors to preserve 25 Center street, for the sake of the character and charm of our neighborhood, this outcome makes no sense. After all the hard work, perseverance and good will of the developer, the P&Z and the Green Farms Association as well as the active support of the neighbors, How did this happen at this late stage? Why did the HDC not keep the ARB in the loop? Do our town commissions not communicate with each other? All of us who worked hard to preserve this historic house-still want this house preserved and we would like answers.
Thank you.
Is the description of the ARB completely incorrect on the Town website? It states they review commercial designs only and that their recommendations are only advisory in nature to P&Z Commission and ZBA.