The public hearing on plans to re-zone and develop Perkins Farm will continue on Tuesday, January 5th at 6 p.m. at Mystic Middle School, Mistuxet Avenue in Mystic. This is the third public hearing on the controversial proposal to change existing zoning laws to permit the creation of a Highway Transition Design District and the eventual development of 70 acres of farmland into retail shops, another hotel, office space, and townhouses.
Opposition to the plan is focused around these issues:
- More shops are not needed. Existing shops are struggling, so adding more to the mix lessens everyone’s share of a finite pie.
- More hotels are not needed – Mystic currently has more than 22 hotels. Let’s check their occupancy rates before building more.
- Spot zoning is illegal. Enacting this change to existing zoning laws starts us on a slippery slope we should run from.
- Traffic in Mystic is already bad. Where’s the argument for making it worse?
- It runs contrary to Stonington’s plan of conservation development.
- It will disturb the unique character of Mystic and change what attracts tourists. To quote Joyce Resnikoff, “We don’t need to be like every other town.”
- There are no guarantees that formula retailers like Banana Republic, Pottery Barn, etc will even want to build shops here.
- Residents were assured that development would be contained to the “Golden Triangle” in Mystic.
If I’ve overlooked any other reasons for opposing the plan, please leave a comment. Come to Mystic on the 5th and let your opinion be heard!
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