EDITORIAL OPINION

Y DOWNTOWN DELIVERS EDITORIAL REPLY ON CABLEVISION

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Editorial Reply: "If You Build It..."

Presented by: Debbie McGinley
Director, Y Downtown, Westport

March 16, 2007

In a recent editorial, Cablevision expressed dismay at the long-running controversy surrounding the relocation plan of the Westport-Weston YMCA.

I'm Debbie McGinley, director of Y Downtown, and we think it's easy to see why so many Westporters continue to object to the plan--namely because it flies in the face of all Smart Growth principles.

The Y's proposal would create a 100,000 square-foot commercial fitness facility in a designated residential zoned area. The plan would destroy one of Westport's last remaining parcels of open space; 15 acres of Camp Mahackeno's natural habitat would be deforested, almost half of them permanently covered by the new building and blacktop.

Major traffic congestion and more pollution would result, as well. Particularly worrisome is the proposed septic system. It would process 34,000 gallons of effluent a day, ultimately endangering the Saugatuck River--only 600 feet away. Plus, similar septic systems in Connecticut have performed poorly, the majority not meeting state standards.

It's no surprise, then, that the movement to keep the Y downtown has gained significant momentum. A town-wide poll found that most Westporters want the Y to remain downtown. First Selectman Gordon Joseloff agrees, as does Westport's Representative Town Meeting. It recently voted to explore the possibility of a land swap for the Mahackeno property.

We need Smart Growth. What does that mean? Core facilities centrally located and easily accessible, protecting town character and saving open space. Only by keeping the Y downtown can these values be ensured in Westport.

Lori Yanell
Westport, CT
I just recently heard an editorial by Deborah McGinley and I only hope that many listened as well. I am completely for keeping the Westport YMCA downtown and far away from the Camp Mahackeno site! That move would have nothing less than a devastating effect on the surrounding area--homes, children, water, wildlife (and their habitats), etc. We cannot allow this to happen, for there is too much at stake. Let's try to preserve what Westport represents and put a halt to all of this ongoing destruction of our lovely New England town.

Cheryl
Darien, CT
State Statue 7-131n protects parkland. All Darien parks are dedicated, by way of RTM, use or deed. Westport should look this up with their town counselors. We need to protect all our park land from people who think they can come in and build what they want.