First Selectman Peter Tesei has put the Greenwich Plaza redevelopment plan “on hiatus”, leaving the matter for his successor to tackle after the November election.
Early last week, Tesei said that the item would not be going before the Representative Town Meeting in October as originally scheduled. Then on Thursday during the Board of Selectmen meeting, Tesei announced the withdrawal of the project’s Municipal Improvement proposal. Discussions on the preliminary site plan and text amendments will still be held by the Planning & Zoning Commission.
The $45 million project includes the redevelopment and construction of a new modern transportation center, including the development of an entirely new train station to replace the existing train station on the north side of the tracks; a new train station on the south side of the tracks; expanded and improved drop-off and pick-up areas for both stations; new pedestrian and commuter pathways; a new privately-owned public park on the corner of Greenwich Avenue and Railroad Avenue; new luxury movie theaters above the existing parking lot on Railroad Avenue; and modernized retail space along Railroad Avenue.
However, since the project was unveiled in July, there has been plenty of debate and questions surrounding the complicated air rights deal between The Ashforth Company, which owns Greenwich Plaza, and the town of Greenwich.
Under the current proposal, the town would transfer its air rights to Ashforth in exchange for the $15 million in public improvements (includes park, new train station) to the area. Ashforth is leasing the rights through 2057.
Members of the Board of Estimate and Taxation believe the air rights are worth more, and that the town wouldn’t be getting a fair deal.
Since Tesei is not seeking a 7th term in office, he’s deferring the matter until a new administration is in place.
“We put forth our best effort to try and come up with a redevelopment agreement. It is not one that is widely embraced by the other stakeholders… [The redevelopment agreement is] an important decision; probably one of the more significant ones in our town’s history,” Tesei said last Thursday. “With the upcoming election for First Selectman, it’s best for the new administration to revisit.”
Tesei said he consulted with Town Administrator, Benjamin Branyan, and Ashforth, in making his decision. He wished Ashforth luck, and said he’ll be “supporting them in the town from the sidelines.”
Tesei then shared a memo he wrote, which was sent to the Planning & Zoning Commission.
“I look forward to Planning & Zoning’s continued thoughtful discussion on the preliminary site plan and text amendment regarding the project. The revitalization of the area and modernization of one of the major gateways to Greenwich is a significant project that will impact the town for decades to come.”
Selectman Sandy Litvack, who voted against the MI last month because he felt there was a lack of information, applauded Tesei’s decision.
“It shows the kind of judgement that I expect and have come to see from you,” said Litvack to Tesei. “I think it’s the right thing to do; give the process time to play itself out, give the process time to get the facts. They key thing for this board is to get the facts.”
