Reflector coverage of the potential development of Ridgefield's 41-acre waterfront property raises serious concerns for me. For example, what happened to the concept of "Historic Downtown Ridgefield"? As a longtime Port taxpayer, I was led to believe that economic development would focus on the I-5 junction. Downtown Ridgefield would remain relatively 'normal.' Apparently, the target has moved, and the waterfront is now in the crosshairs.
I think that this is a huge mistake. The waterfront property is adjacent to our National Wildlife Refuge to the West and to the North. It provides a large park-like area for boating, fishing, hiking and other outdoor activities. If it is developed, these activities will be lost forever. The open space will be gone.
The Port's suggested development plan will give us some low-income housing and a 5-story hotel, a monstrosity that will dwarf every other building in the city.
Ridgefield developers normally name their projects for what was there before they came, for example, "Osprey Point" near the high school. If this project goes ahead, I suggest the hotel be named "Gone Goose Inn."
Craig T. Lynch
Ridgefield
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