Last night, In front of a packed auditorium at East Ridge Middle School (ERMS), Ridgefield Winter Club applicant Robert R. Jewell, Esq, and his team presented their plans to Ridgefield Planning & Zoning Commission and the Town’s Inland Wetlands Board.
Before hearing from Jewell, the Board and Commission paid tribute to former Ridgefield Police Chief, John Roche. “I’d like to honor the sudden passing of John Roche. Under John’s leadership, Ridgefield became the safest town in Connecticut. He was smart, funny, kind, and generous,” said Wetlands Board Chairman, Rebecca Mucchetti. “He left Ridgefield a better town than he found it and we are forever grateful,” she added.
The Public Hearing kicked off at about 7:40 pm.
As of 4 pm yesterday afternoon, the Board and Commission received 431 pieces of correspondence from the public. “We have also received a petition opposing the application with 1,754 signatures,” said Mucchetti. (Read opposition via Peaceable Neighborhood Alliance here.)
“This is the only item on the agenda. We believe the applicant will take most of our time this evening,” said Mucchetti. “Tonight is the beginning of the review process, not the end,” she said.
Mr. Jewell, representing Ridgefield Winter Club, explained the rationale behind the club and called upon experts to speak about environmental issues, traffic, and lighting. Peter Coffin of Doyle Coffin Architecture, spoke about the interior layout of the Clubhouse, as well as the exterior aesthetic value he believed the Club provided.
Complete with a golf simulation room and of bowling lanes in the lower level, if approved, Winter Club will include a small dining area and bar, as well as locker rooms and an outdoor ice rink. There would be enough parking for 91 vehicles. The club would be closed in June, July, and August.
We captured the lengthy meeting on a Facebook video. You can watch it here.
The Winter Club applicant and his team spoke for nearly three hours. The auditorium was extremely warm. By 9:30 pm, the large crowd dwindled down significantly.
Mucchetti told those in attendance that the Board has reserved ERMS auditorium for Sept. 25 and October 16 to continue the Public Hearing. “I anticipate there a fourth meeting may be needed,” said Mucchetti.
November 13 and December 11 (should a fifth date be needed) are the most likely dates for subsequent Public Hearings.
Read Ridgefield Winter Club FAQs on their website here.
Read opposing views via Peaceable Neighborhood Alliance here.
The next Public Hearing is scheduled for September 25 at ERMS at 7:00 pm (please note earlier start time.)