Many questions on West Haven proposal

I am concerned that decisions being made regarding the placement of a huge manufacturing plant at Savin Rock are not in the interest of West Haven.

Troubling changes are consistently being made to planning and zoning regulations to allow for the erection of this plant on our precious Savin Rock shoreline. The proposed structure would completely dominate the beautiful landscape. The structure is large enough to overshadow Savin Rock, infringe on the boardwalk, and generally degrade the coastal atmosphere.

The information provided to the public has been limited in scope and, in many cases, misleading. In addition, the city has made numerous rule changes and allowances to smooth the path for this project without transparency. Hearings are being held without adequate information for informed decision-making and awareness.

The intention to use artifacts of Old Savin Rock from the museum in the entrance is no justification for allowing such a large manufacturing building to be placed there. To allow these artifacts to be used as pawns in a plan that diminishes and dishonors Savin Rock and the neighboring coastline is contradictory from both environmental and historic perspectives. Further, this memorabilia deserves a home of its own more accessible to young community members.

It is true that Savin Rock Conference Center, in its current state of disrepair, is a blight that needs to be addressed. Commercial development may be warranted to make this valuable real estate an asset to the community. Something smaller in scale and impact should be considered for this location.

There are many sites in West Haven that are suitable for a large brewery that intends to manufacture, sell and ship goods. West Haven should not have to sacrifice its most valuable asset in this deal. I urge New England Brewing Co. and city officials, with more input from citizens, to explore other options for the location of this development and would welcome a brewery to West Haven on other property.

The public needs to ask many more questions and be given much more information before this brewery is allowed to take over the Savin Rock shoreline.

Dolores Libow

West Haven