Dear Commissioners and Council members,
Thank you, Mayor Cole and Ridgefield Council members, for listening to the concerns shared at the last city council meeting. Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, we (those concerned about the National Wildlife Refuge and the proposed waterfront development) were unable to ask the Port Commissioners questions or share our concerns. In light of these limitations, I've chosen to ask you the questions I have about the proposed development.
Access to the proposed waterfront
Given the extent of commercial and residential development, what is the plan to address limited ingress and egress to the properties? Given the current one lane in and one lane out, how will congestion (boat, tourists, wildlife enthusiasts and residents) be mitigated? Who will pay for these mitigations and any ongoing expenses? Is there a plan to widen the current ingress/egress corridor (Pioneer) to accommodate the increase in traffic? If Pioneer is enlarged, who will pay for this upgrade, given that this is a state highway? What about the impact on businesses and the economic impact on small businesses?
Citizen safety
If the proposed development is completed, what measures will be taken to ensure residents of the low-income housing are safe from rail traffic? Who would pay for safety mitigations, and who is responsible for any unforeseen accidents involving the rail lines and nearby water hazards?
Transparency
A number of people seem concerned that the planning process is less than genuine. How do you address such a claim? Has consideration of a local referendum been considered, and if not, why?
Economic impact
Is there documentation detailing the project's cost and the benefits to the community? Who pays the cost and who benefits from any profits? What are the estimated impacts on local businesses and are they supportive of the waterfront development?
Timeline
Is there a specific date for a decision? If so, who is imposing this deadline?
Thank you, Commissioners and Council members, for considering my questions. I think we all want the best for our community. Answering these questions will go a long way to clarifying the issue.
Sincerely,
Walt Gordon
Ridgefield
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