Greenwich governance ensures a high quality of life
Local Realtors credit town planning for impacting residents and property values
Greenwich has a long history of attracting new residents from New York City, who appreciate the proximity to the city and a more suburban or coastal lifestyle. In recent years, newcomers have traveled from other states and even other nations to call Greenwich home. Initially, they may not know that a great deal of work and planning goes into maintaining that quality of life. So, Greenwich Time asked local Realtors about how Greenwich governance impacts infrastructure, property values, taxes and the many amenities afforded to residents.
“One of the first reasons that an out-of-state resident considers moving to Greenwich is our low real estate taxes,” Patte Nusbaum, a Realtor with Sotheby’s International Realty, suggested. “Most Westchester County taxes are almost double or more. … The Representative Town Meeting (RTM)—the 230-member governing body in Greenwich, which represents all neighborhoods, our ‘Congress’—approves any town appropriations of $5,000 or greater. This body decides what projects the town spends money on and the appropriate amount of money. This system keeps our town expenses down. “The government in Greenwich understands that property owners are discerning and have high expectations of lifestyle and amenities,” Nusbaum continued. “The residents want to keep the beautiful streetscape and have plenty of parks for recreation and open space to make sure that the town will continue to feel like a town, not a city. The Greenwich Plan of Conservation and Development, last updated in 2019, represents a vision for a better Greenwich, as articulated by its residents. The vision supports increasing property values, affordable housing and shared commercial and recreational spaces that are safe, inviting and active.” Nusbaum also noted some of Greenwich’s town-managed amenities and green spaces.
“The ‘jewel’ in the town’s collection of parks and recreation areas is Greenwich Point, known familiarly as Tod’s Point,” she said. “The 147-acre park with beaches was originally for residents only. In 2001, the town ordinance changed to allow non-residents to purchase daily passes. The town-owned ferry boats to islands owned by the town—Island Beach and
Great Captain’s Island— also allowed non-residents to purchase daily tickets. Many residents think that this change improved the reputation of Greenwich as a more inclusive community.”
Where residents are heard and are part of the discussion
“I believe the system for governance in Greenwich is one that enables change to happen and therefore ultimately adds to the value of our properties,” according to Alison Farn Leigh, a Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, New England Properties. “The concerns and needs of the residents are heard by the decision makers. These discussions lead to changes improving the town in many ways.
“The RTM, which is made of representation from all areas of town, is a group set up to hear from the people,” she continued. “The forum is one that encourages opinion and discussion by creating a less intimidating atmosphere. All types of issues arise, all are discussed. Most recently, Old Greenwich was able to successfully convince the town that sidewalks were needed on a busy section of Shore Road. The project was presented, discussed, approved and completed—a safety, value and aesthetic improvement for all.”
The RTM is also credited with managing the volume of traffic and new construction, according to Coldwell Banker Broker Drew Peterson.
“The RTM also impacts zoning, particularly in R6 zoning, where the density of traffic, population and lifestyle are measured to limit new construction to two units per parcel, with exception to affordable housing Section 80-3 proposals,” Peterson explained. “Also, Parks and Recreation implements one of the unique opportunities each year to attend the Town Party, celebrating residents’ appreciation of the arts, community and civic pride.”
The government in Greenwich understands that property owners are discerning and have high expectations of lifestyle and amenities. — Patte Nusbaum, Realtor, Sotheby’s International Realty
I believe the system for g overnance in Greenwich is one that enables change to happen and therefore ultimately adds to the value of our properties.
— Alison Farn Leigh, Realtor, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, New England Properties
Parks and Recreation implements one of the unique opportunities each year to attend the Town Party, celebrating residents’ appreciation of the arts, community and civic pride.
— Drew Peterson, Broker, Coldwell Banker Realty