In my opinion this is the best (perhaps only) way to comprehend the veracity or falsity of the opinions and commentary being cited pertaining to the P&Z’s current intention to modify the current DOSRD#2 regulation. Without rehashing all that past, which is fundamentally irrelevant to the matter at hand, I feel it might be instructive (and important) to at least understand the current protective DOSRD (Dedicated Open Space and Recreational District) regulation as it pertains to the current Planning and Zoning text amendment proposal. 13.Īs most Town residents who have lived in Westport since 2000 know, the Baron’s South property has had an interesting, storied and controversial history since its purchase by our Town in 1987.
Jack 6 vs bridge baron full#
The amended Baron’s South regulation, which the committee voted to recommend for consideration by the full P&Z, will be on the agenda for the commission’s next work session at 6 p.m. Specific wording delineating what is permitted and what is not “is certainly better than chopping it up and building things on it,” he said. Uses such as picnicking need to be clearly defined to ensure that any new zoning rules do not allow activities that might have a negative impact on the property, he indicated. “The word ‘passive’ needs to be defined,” agreed Matthew Mandell, an RTM member from District 1 and executive director of the Westport-Weston Chamber of Commerce. And that prohibition must be clearly outlined in any proposed amendment, she said. Hiking has always been permitted at Baron’s South, she said, but any activities or changes to the property that pollute or cause environmental damage, such as construction of sports facilities or additional parking areas, should not be permitted.
The definitions of “passive” and “organized,” for example, need to be clearly specified if the zoning is amended, said Wendy Batteau, chairwoman of the Representative Town Meeting’s Environment Committee. “Current zoning is so oppressively specific that … an organized hike for second graders followed by story time is not legally allowed,” Dobin said.īut making sure the language of the proposed amendment would be specific was a concern to several people attending the meeting.ĭefine “passive” vs. The senior center and some educational groups have asked if they could use the property for hiking, field trips or other activities, she said, which currently is not allowed. Zoning regulations, however, would have to be modified to allow more organized recreational activities on the property.Įxisting Baron’s South rules called “oppressively specific” “I don’t see putting anything permanent up,” she added.Ĭonstructing pickleball and bocce courts on the Baron’s South property near the senior center was part of plans for a portion of the land presented to the P&Z in September by the Parks and Recreation Department. Seniors are more likely to come to an outdoor activity,” she said. “In these COVID times it’s really critical that we’d be able to use Baron’s South.
The Baron’s South property, adjacent to the Westport Center for Senior Activities, has “a great potential for outdoor activities,” Holy Betts, program manager at the center, told the P&Z panel. Yoga or painting classes, organized hikes or schoolchildren’s field trips all would be allowed under the proposed amendment. Photo by Gary WebsterĮxisting zoning regulations allow only passive use on the site, such as walking or birdwatching, but the Zoning Regulation Revision Subcommittee members favor amending the rules to permit more organized activities. These deer were the only visitors to the town-owned Baron’s South property on a recent afternoon.
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