Affordable housing and potential lawsuits from developers using the state's 8-30g statute to force large-scale development into areas of Westport where it may not be appropriate is a central issue of the RTM and P&Z. Your RTM representatives must be innovative in working with the state, developers, and the P&Z in making sure that 8-30g is implemented in a fashion that doesn't destroy our town.

Here are some photos from the Hiawatha Lane proposed development, where developers have already bought up 6 houses in the area and are putting pressure on two more, with the goal to transform this quiet neighborhood into a 200-unit condo/apartment development (still fact-checking these figures - please comment if you know otherwise). Is this an appropriate place to sustain the traffic from 200 units and extend the sewer line to promote development? Promises about how "affordable" the units will be is also unenforceable once the units are built, so what are the guarantees that the town could even count on that these would count toward 8-30g?

The residents on Vani Court and Overridge Road are faced with the presence of the Westport Sewage Treatment Plant in their backyards, with longstanding issues of how to mitigate noise and smell. The general feeling in the neighborhood is that plant management has been responsive to a degree, but that town leadership over the years has lagged in both their attention to the problem and their willingness to put any money into helping the residents.

These pictures show the "treeline" that was put up to mitigate the plant's impact after years of fighting by residents. Does this line of trees look effective to you? How much do you think this cost the town? If you're a District 1 resident, let's hear your opinion.

Property values in Westport are related to town features and attractions. When realtors show off Westport, one of our precious jewels is Longshore - it's often the first thing on the minds of prospective residents (or second to the schools for those with children).

The beach and tennis facilities have been upgraded over the years at taxpayer expense to showpieces, and we all reap the benefits. Our Longshore town golf course, however, has been sustained in all previous maintenance and upgrades by member fees (including the recent $2.5 million renovations). Hardly a penny of taxpayer money has gone into the golf course over the years.

With over 4,000 passholders, golf surpasses tennis, beach, and all other Longshore activities in its popularity with residents. Not only are the clubhouse and other facilities substandard and infested by vermin, they are unsupported by the town, unlike virtually all other town courses in Fairfield County. Even worse, the town actually uses the middle of the golf course for its Public Works storage and refueling facilities, running 40-50 vehicles a day through the middle of the course!

Here are some photos of the Public Works facility in the middle of the 12th fairway (the last two show some of the upgrades to bring it up to a professional level). Do you see anything out of place with these pictures?