Letter to the Editor: Re-Elect Whittle, Stephens, Gratix and Walsh for Westport P&Z

By Bonnie Ashman

Re-Elect Whittle, Stephens, Gratix and Walsh for Westport P&Z

These currently serving Planning and Zoning Board members, also endorsed by Save Westport Now, have successfully worked to preserve open space and protect our residential neighborhoods. As a resident who lives in the area of the Westport Inn, I was concerned about the likelihood that upon the Inn’s sale, it would become an 830G housing development. Along with our Selectmen Jim Marpe and Avi Kaner, the Board worked to save the Inn as a hotel which spared my neighborhood from an influx of residents which would have negatively impacted traffic, schools, and local services. Additionally, Bridgewater is enhancing their campus in an environmentally sound way and continues to be a tax asset to Westport.

Chip Stephens, Jack Whittle, Cathy Walsh and Al Gratix all are long-time Westport residents who brought up their families in Westport. Each of the candidates has experience in business or law and has been active in local charitable organizations for many years as well as serving on the P&Z, which requires sincere dedication and a substantial time commitment.

Recently, they have established a P&Z subcommittee to focus on senior housing and have previously coordinated with the Westport Housing Authority on the rebuilding of Sasco Creek and Hales Court. Since I live near Sasco Creek, I have watched with enthusiasm as the construction has proceeded and is nearing completion. I believe that the team of Whittle, Stephens, Gratix and Walsh deserve to be elected in order to keep Westport growing responsibly.