To: Block Island Planning Board
Subject: Current plans to develop the Smith-Brown property
We the undersigned feel that the current plans to develop the Smith-Brown property are not in the best interests of Block Island:
- The plan is to put five houses on a lot currently zoned for one. This clearly goes against the town’s ordinances to maintain the unique rural character of Block Island that attracts so many visitors.
- A rural area will now take on the characteristics of a mainland suburban area. This proposal is too much development for one lot.
- The current project may set a dangerous precedent for future development on Block Island. What is to prevent similar projects from taking place all over the Island if the current project is approved?
- Projects of this magnitude should be located close to town to decrease auto dependency and to allow the homes to take advantage of public sewer and water services.
We object to the magnitude of this well intended but misguided project as it is currently proposed:
Please sign below to show your support.
22 Comments
If this density of development were proposed by a commercial developer for regular houses it wouldn't be allowed. Then why should we as a town decide to cram these houses into this lot? It is a mistake and a shame for the Island. Affordable housing, yes this density , no. The fact that the land was donated for Affordable Housing is not a reason to build this many houses.
The due process with the Planning Board has been most absent. At meetings we were told we would have an opportunity to address. Numerous delay and postponements have prevented abutted owners from speaking to the Board. Yet the plan moves forward without input.
The proposed plan calls for development of 3 houses with an 11% footprint and 2 houses with a 6% footprint. This is not allowed anywhere else. The proposed green space is a sham.
The positive thing is that the need for affordable housing is being discussed, the negative is that this is not sustainably motivating the community for the common on goal of preserving our wide open spaces on Block Island. More micro units, closer to town, no need for more cars. The intention is there but this isn't it.
My grandparents the Hutchinsons came to the island in the late 50's. I still have relatives there. Having watched the growth I am concerned about maintaining the identity and character of the island. Please do not grant this variance and set a precedent that can't be undone.
We visit friends on Block Island for a week each year on the quiet west side near Warden’s pond. I just heard that the town is building a five unit housing development on the hillside behind the horse farm. This makes me think of a ship captain who is approached by some passengers. They ask for more comfortable accommodations. The captain forms a committee with his crew to decide what to do. After much thought they decide to use boards from the hull to make the improvements. The boat sinks! This may be my last year on the Block.
why should the zoning laws be disregarded for this project?
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To: Block Island Planning Board
Subject: Current plans to develop the Smith-Brown property
We the undersigned feel that the current plans to develop the Smith-Brown property are not in the best interests of Block Island:
- The plan is to put five houses on a lot currently zoned for one. This clearly goes against the town’s ordinances to maintain the unique rural character of Block Island that attracts so many visitors.
- A rural area will now take on the characteristics of a mainland suburban area. This proposal is too much development for one lot.
- The current project may set a dangerous precedent for future development on Block Island. What is to prevent similar projects from taking place all over the Island if the current project is approved?
- Projects of this magnitude should be located close to town to decrease auto dependency and to allow the homes to take advantage of public sewer and water services.
We object to the magnitude of this well intended but misguided project as it is currently proposed:
Please sign below to show your support.
22 Comments
We are very concerned about the supply of natural ground water and the destruction of the rural character of the island.
If this density of development were proposed by a commercial developer for regular houses it wouldn't be allowed. Then why should we as a town decide to cram these houses into this lot? It is a mistake and a shame for the Island. Affordable housing, yes this density , no. The fact that the land was donated for Affordable Housing is not a reason to build this many houses.
The due process with the Planning Board has been most absent. At meetings we were told we would have an opportunity to address. Numerous delay and postponements have prevented abutted owners from speaking to the Board. Yet the plan moves forward without input.
The proposed plan calls for development of 3 houses with an 11% footprint and 2 houses with a 6% footprint. This is not allowed anywhere else. The proposed green space is a sham.
The positive thing is that the need for affordable housing is being discussed, the negative is that this is not sustainably motivating the community for the common on goal of preserving our wide open spaces on Block Island. More micro units, closer to town, no need for more cars. The intention is there but this isn't it.
My grandparents the Hutchinsons came to the island in the late 50's. I still have relatives there. Having watched the growth I am concerned about maintaining the identity and character of the island. Please do not grant this variance and set a precedent that can't be undone.
We visit friends on Block Island for a week each year on the quiet west side near Warden’s pond. I just heard that the town is building a five unit housing development on the hillside behind the horse farm. This makes me think of a ship captain who is approached by some passengers. They ask for more comfortable accommodations. The captain forms a committee with his crew to decide what to do. After much thought they decide to use boards from the hull to make the improvements. The boat sinks! This may be my last year on the Block.
why should the zoning laws be disregarded for this project?
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We are very concerned about the supply of natural ground water and the destruction of the rural character of the island.