BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Ronald Vigars, President
227-4363

Robert P. Scholl, Counsel

YARD WASTE SITE – At a work session on July 25, 2001 the Conservation Commission approved the Town’s application to locate a Yard Waste Site at the corner of Green’s Farms Road and the Sherwood Island Connector. This approval came over the strong opposition of your Association Executive and two groups of neighbors attempting to head off this plan. The decision by the Conservation Commission is now being appealed in Superior Court. The next step will be the Town’s application to the Planning and Zoning Commission where a public hearing has been scheduled for Thursday September 20th at 7:30PM in Town Hall. The purpose of this newsletter is to solicit your support in opposing this ill-considered project.

The interest and active support of the public will be critical in the weeks and months ahead as this application makes its way through the zoning process. One of the best ways that you can help is to attend the Planning and Zoning hearing and let the commissioners hear your own objections to the approval of the site.

Our reasons for opposing the project are many. First, it will be an unsightly welcome to Westport and Green's Farms itself—a green site in a residential zone will be paved over to make way for the semi-industrial use. Second, the Town has not shown that there is a genuine need for this particular facility or that alternative sites were adequately considered. Third, if the Town gets a Special Permit to operate the yard waste facility, the stage will be set for the Town to seek to expand use of the site for other undesirable facilities by Special Permit. Fourth, there are questions about run-off from the site to Lazy Brook, Muddy Brook and ultimately Long Island Sound. Those unfortunate enough to have homes close to the site will be treated to the sights and sounds of waste processing activities and of trucks continually beeping as they move about the site.

There is strength in numbers. You can help tremendously in our activities by turning out at the upcoming Planning & Zoning Commission public hearing. A full auditorium sends a message that the citizens are concerned. If you don’t want to speak up at the hearing please contact a member of our Board and let him or her know your feelings. If you haven't done so already, please sign the Petition in opposition to the facility. Let your elected town officials know your feelings by contacting them directly. That's what they are there for.

First Selectwoman Diane Farrell 341-1111 dfarrell@ci.westport.ct.us
P&Z Chairperson Eleanor Lowenstein 255-5379
P&Z Vice Chair Bill Crowther 255-4857
P&Z Commissioner June Getraer 255-6271
P&Z Commissioner Elizabeth Kuechenmeister 227-5912
P&Z Commissioner Steven Lewis 222-8980
P&Z Commissioner Bob MacLachlan 226-5746
P&Z Commissioner Michael Stashower 227-6054
RTM District 5 John Booth 454-7018 jaybee4@compuserve.com
RTM District 5 Dick Lowenstein 255-5379 bankside@juno.com
RTM District 5 Peggy Slez 227-4616 mjslez@juno.com

We need YOUR support! Visit our web site at www.westportct.net/gfa for up to date information and the schedule of public hearings.