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Residents press port and city over waterfront vision as petition passes 2,800 signatures
Summary
Speakers told council that a 'Preserve Ridgefield Waterfront' petition has more than 2,800 signatures and asked what role the city played in shaping the port's waterfront concept, whether the city's comp plan update or vesting (through 2028) affect waterfront zoning, and how the port's survey results will be analyzed.
Residents told the Ridgefield City Council on July 9 that the 'Preserve Ridgefield Waterfront' petition has grown to about 2,800 signatures and asked the city to clarify its role and influence over the port’s waterfront redevelopment plans.
Wendy McIntyre and Robin Knight said the petition and online groups indicate broad public interest in keeping the waterfront open, natural and recreational rather than developed at the scale proposed by the port. They said the port has characterized elements of its concept as "confirmed" despite pending permitting and environmental review. Residents asked whether the city helped shape assumptions or land uses in the port’s market analysis and development strategy, and if the city has authority to define or amend waterfront mixed-use standards, height, density or buffers before the site’s vesting period ends in 2028.
Robin Knight specifically asked whether adopting any particular comprehensive-plan alternative would change density standards applicable to waterfront mixed-use zoning or whether existing development standards remain in force. Council and staff did not provide a definitive legal change at the meeting; residents requested meaningful city engagement and advocacy if the port's proposals do not reflect community priorities.
Nancy Fagan (online) also cautioned council about treating the port’s survey results at face value, saying survey question design, option order and response options can bias outcomes and urging the port and city to dig into the written comments and underlying data.
No formal council action altering waterfront zoning or regulation occurred that night; residents asked the city to clarify what influence it has over port decisions and whether the comp plan process will affect the waterfront’s zoning prior to the 2028 vesting date.
