Petition Concerning Over Development of the Rural West Side

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?

Too many houses for one property. Zoning laws were made to protect the rural ambiance of this zone.

This may be a reasonable compromise

The less the merrier.

We are very concerned about the supply of natural ground water and the destruction of the rural character of the island.

Too many houses for that lot why couldn't they put up a couple of units like they have at old harbor meadows in town this way they would have four units but only two buildings

Greed compromises ecology, biodiversity and environment.

Leave the rural parts of the Island alone

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.

I am signed to the petition! Strongly against any development on the west side of Block Island, or anywhere else on Block Island! In one of last Great naturally beautiful places left anywhere, this would be Disgraceful!!

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.

The plan has evolved quickly into an 'idee fixe' for the housing board where any outside suggestion is not considered but batted away. Why?

I fully support the need for affordable housing but it has to be compatible with the Block Island countryside. Once it is built it is there forever. Too many houses on too little property

We need rentals that are close to town not over development in residential A. What have we done all this conservation for.

Losing the island tradition!

Not in keeping with Block Island character. Breaking too many rules intended to protect Block Island. Too many houses on one lot.