Greenwich Selectmen Urge More Study Of Proposed FAR Changes

GREENWICH, CT — While admitting that they have no regulatory power over the matter, the Greenwich Board of Selectmen Thursday urged the town's Planning and Zoning Commission to move more slowly with the commission's proposal to increase floor area ratios (FAR) of schools and other institutions.

During a meeting in Greenwich Town Hall Thursday morning, after it had listened to a presentation from Planning Director Katie DeLuca, AICP, the board suggested the commission give the public more time to understand and accept the proposal, which has already drawn some criticism. Among other elements, the proposal calls for an increase in FAR of 30 percent.

DeLuca told the board that among other reasons, the impetus for the proposed change is to allow schools "to grow a little bit" on their own property without having to buy up surrounding homes only to tear them down to make room for expansion. "The proposal could help reduce sprawl."

"My suggestion would be to give this the time to allow the community to buy into it," said Selectman Sandy Litvack, an attorney. The board and others have received complaints about the proposal, which critics say could overwhelm some neighborhoods.

Selectman John Toner and First Selectman Peter Tesei echoed Litvack's sentiments, but the board reiterated that it was not siding one way or another because it does not have the final say in the matter.

"It looks like the [P&Z] commision is rushing something through," said Toner.

The commission is holding a public hearing on the matter at 7:15 p.m. on July 24 in the Town Hall Meeting Room.

Photo of Greenwich Planning Director Katie DeLuca, AICP during her presentation on July 12 to the Greenwich Board of Selectmen. Photo credit: Alfred Branch

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