NEWS

RTM Approves Resolution Encouraging Downtown Solution for the Y

by Jennifer Connic
Printed in the Westport Now

The measure, which is nonbinding, was approved after three hours of debate and five revisions of the resolution. The first resolution requested First Selectman Gordon Joseloff to create a committee to search for downtown solutions rather than seeing the Family Y moving to Camp Mahackeno.

Joseloff, however, said he would not form a committee because he feels action needs to be taken. Additionally, he said, he has been talking with Family Y officials at least weekly about potentially keeping the facility downtown.

He has already taken action, he said, by moving forward with an engineering study of Jesup Green and Baron’s South, which includes considering a large, community-use facility for the area.

There is nothing to report on the discussions with Family Y officials, he said, but if action needs to be taken he would bring a measure to the RTM.

Joseloff said he felt the RTM should take a focused stand on the issue because focused sense of the meeting resolutions have more of an impact.

He cited a resolution a number of years ago requesting Winslow Park be zoned open space. The Planning and Zoning Commission enacted new regulations and zoned the property as open space in response.

The sense of the meeting resolution was first proposed by Michael Gilbertie, RTM District 9, and it was referred back to RTM committees (See WestportNow Feb. 7). Gilbertie was not present at tonight’s meeting, although he had submitted a statement and said he would support further study.

Gilbertie’s proposal, however, requested town officials to swap land from Winslow Park with the Family Y’s properties, including the downtown facility that has been contracted for sale.