Joan Coe
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Platinum Board Member
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Public Hearing - Zoning Commission- Dorset Crosssing - 2008/07/22 09:47
Zoning Hearing – July 21,2008
I was shocked with the conduct of the applicant and his attorney during the hearing process. What benefit is derived from intimidating a commission that you are asking to approve your application? Why should anyone be concerned that you have spent a lot of money on a gamble that the zoning commission will approve your application? Why should there be an implied threat that if this application is not approved everyone opposing this application would be facing a SLAPP suit? A SLAPP suit is a Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation which has a chilling affect on all public debate. SLAPP suits according to the article are rarely won. The issue before the zoning commission as I see it is what benefit is derived to the town, not the financial interest of the applicant. Spot zoning does not benefit the town and is not an accepted planning tool. This application should be denied.
I can think of many other uses for this property that would increase the tax base and benefit the town. This site would be a perfect area for a Tennis Academy similar to the Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy in Florida as a training center for international tennis players. The skating center is in close proximity to this land and could provide shared training facilities. The tennis academy could have a retractable roof with tennis courts composed of grass, clay, har-tru and hard courts , providing training on all surfaces. The private schools could provide the schooling and houses could be built to provide housing for the academy tennis players and their families in a village setting. This would not only benefit the town but would also provide a destination place for visitors with first class tournaments similar to the Pilot Penn. If the applicant wants to give us an original plan, this one would be a trophy plan. Let’s think out of the box, the application before you should be denied.
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