Concerned by Savin Rock plans
I am very concerned that decisions being made by City Hall regarding the placement of a huge building and manufacturing plant at Savin Rock are not in the interest of the Citizens of West Haven.
In many instances to date, rule changes have and are being made to our Planning and Zoning regulations to allow for the erection of this manufacturing plant on our most precious Savin Rock shoreline. The proposed structure, if allowed, would completely dominate the now beautiful landscape. The planned structure is so large that it would overshadow Savin Rock itself, infringe on the Boardwalk, and generally degrade the coastal atmosphere.
The information that has been provided on this project has been both limited in its scope and, in many cases, misleading. The city has made numerous rule changes, variances, and allowances to smooth the path for this project without transparency to the public. Hearings and discussions are being held without adequate information for informed decision-making and public awareness.
The developer’s intention to use some artifacts of Old Savin Rock from the Savin Rock Museum to decorate the entrance hallway is no justification for allowing such a large manufacturing building to be placed at Savin Rock. To allow these artifacts, currently in storage, to be used as pawns in a plan that diminishes, and dishonors Savin Rock and the neighboring coastline is contradictory from both an environmental and historic perspective. Further, this cherished memorabilia from the family-oriented Savin Rock should not be given to the developer to use in a location available only for folks who are aged 21-plus. This memorabilia deserves a home of its own that is accessible to community members of all ages.
It is true that Savin Rock Conference Center, in its current state of disrepair, is a blight that needs to be addressed. As the City has been unable to maintain a viable enterprise there, commercial development may be warranted to make this piece of valuable real estate an asset to the community. Something smaller in scale and impact should be considered for this location.
There are many sites in West Haven that are suitable and available for a brewery that intends to manufacture, sell, and ship goods. West Haven should not have to sacrifice its most valuable asset in this deal. I urge New England Brewing Co. and city officials, with more input from citizens, to explore other options for the location of this development and would welcome a brewery to West Haven on other city-owned property.
The public needs to ask a lot more questions and be given a lot more information before this brewery is allowed to take over the Savin Rock shoreline.
Dolores Libow
Primary victory a team effort
This primary victory was hard won and was without a doubt a team effort. Thank you to the voters of West Haven, not just for voting, but for the persistence and determination many voters showed in exercising their right to vote regardless of the obstacles.
This year, with redistricting and other measurers, many residents polling locations changed without notice. But West Haven residents have an indomitable spirit and a desire to make our voices heard. It is why I am proud and honored to represent the residents of West Haven and the 116th District. I have dedicated my life to lifting up our voices and finding solutions to the issues we face every day.
Thank you again to the voters for putting your faith in me and propelling me forward towards the general election this fall. Serving as your state representative is an incredible honor, and a privilege I hope to have for many years to come. As we move towards the general election, I’m forward to seeing and speaking with you as we door knock throughout the 116th
Trenee McGee