Battle over Westport building expansion

WESTPORT, Conn. (WTNH) - A battle is brewing over the idea to give the center of Westport a face lift.

Some think changing the zoning laws to accommodate expansion is a great idea, others are against it.

The quiet stretch of Westport that was the topic of discussion at a town zoning meeting is filled with mom and pop shops. Just around the corner is a large building with a big lot that local developers want to expand.

"I am hoping that when you come tonight, that you will see the plan for what it is, a plan for one person to make a lot of money at the expense of other down town merchants and commercial interests," said radio host Lisa Wexler during her afternoon show.

She said nearly tripling the size of  the YMCA building and lot around it, is not a good plan.

"There has been a lot of people tired and resigned about what will happen to Westport, and I think when it comes to the down town, they don't want to see it happen," says Wexler.

Although Wexler put up a good argument, those who attended the town meeting had split decisions. Supporters of expansion wore bright orange stickers. The developer David Waldman, did not want to comment about his plan for the YMCA building, he let a power point presentation at the meeting speak for it's self. Folks weren't quiet about who it would affect, and how it would look.

"These particular districts were created for a purpose, to preserve buildings and landscapes," says Michael Calise of Westport.

"Not only the look, but I am concerned that it is going to compete with the retail space specialties, the mom and pops, and I'm very concerned about this," says Carlo Fraioli.

The decision about the transformation plans and execution of them may go on for another three years.