Letters: 'Let the Process Move Forward' on Shuffle

Arguments for sale of 35 Leroy flawed, now as then

To the Editor:

As the Board of Selectman presents its facilities transfer proposal, it’s important to outline some key facts related to the acquisition of 35 Leroy Ave.

In June 2007, during a presentation in front of the RTM, Darien's former first selectwoman outlined the “extraordinary opportunity to vote 'yes' to purchase the library property [35 Leroy].” The presentation noted that the Board of Selectman unanimously agreed that the purchase was “Consistent with the use in the Town Plan; Controls the use and development; Offers town support for the new library; Is the #1 priority of the BOS — to acquire land and; The purchase has broad community support for the acquisition.”

Even though the previous Board of Selectmen wished to use property for affordable housing, not one board, commission, or the RTM included it as a condition of final approval. The plan faced significant push back — as some opposed called for the sale of the property. Yet, the board rightfully dismissed this idea. 

The Darien Times reported on September 4, 2008 that “the selectmen nixed two other uses — upscale senior housing and selling the property because they don’t result in some public advantage.”  The first selectwoman stated “municipal needs should be the focus in assessing uses rather than what is the best use of this site.” 

On September 22, 2008 the Board of Selectmen outlined its plan via its presentation to the RTM which included the following:

• Only public uses were considered for the site
• Why? Municipalities typically purchase land for a public benefit
• A public use results in some public advantage, benefit or enhancement of public welfare.
• Sale of the property at this point delivers no real public benefit
• Sale in an adverse market would likely require a long holding period and carrying costs or sale at a loss to the taxpayer.

Under Mr. Campbell, the current Board of Selectmen is now pursuing different course for 35 Leroy which will serve a municipal need for Darien as part of it facilities transfer plan. This plan has also attracted its critics — ironically, also calling for the sale of the property.  Yet, it's clear that the arguments for the sale of 35 Leroy are as flawed now as they were three years ago.

John Sini, Jr.

36 Birch Road

The writer is a member of the RTM’s Planning, Zoning, and Housing Committee and is the Treasurer of the Republican Town Committee.

Let the shuffle process move forward

To the Editor:

There is a general consensus in Darien that the dilapidated Senior Center must be replaced with a safe and suitable facility. This is the town's most pressing need requiring a meaningful capital expenditure and decisions will have to be made. After considerable study, our Republican Selectmen have concluded the most cost effective and actionable plan that meets this need, as well as a number of the town's other short and long term space requirements, is the facilities transfer plan known as the shuffle.

Some critics have quoted a cost number for the shuffle inflated by the town's original acquisition price for the 35 Leroy property when it was purchased by the Klein administration several years ago. But this is a sunk cost for Darien and therefore irrelevant when crafting a forward-looking facilities use plan for the town. Is it relevant to consider what Darien paid for town hall when determining its best use? Critics also contend that 35 Leroy will have value in helping the town obtain its next affordable housing moratorium when the current moratorium expires in 2014. Managing the stock of affordable housing is a challenge in Darien and decisions should be made with that in mind. However, not included in the opposition's general contention is consideration of affordable housing units that will come on line between now and the expiration of the moratorium.

Debate is part of the process and will be useful in making the best decision for the town. But the use of incomplete information to inhibit further discussion of the plan is not. Let the process move forward and allow the Board of Finance and the RTM to listen to, debate and vote on the merits of the plan.

Debra Ritchie

16 Stony Brook Road South