Waterford - The Planning and Zoning Commission has yet to vote on proposed amendments to zoning regulations of the Seaside Preservation Zoning District, but some commissioners are openly taking sides as the Sept. 19 deadline to vote nears.

Developer Mark Steiner has proposed changing zoning regulations to allow for an inn and other commercial development on the shoreline parcel that once contained the Seaside Center for the developmentally disabled.

Joining Commissioner Edwin J. Maguire in support of the changes, Joe Bunkley said Monday that he "would hate to miss an opportunity" if the commission were to vote the changes down.

"I'm not sure what will happen to this property should we deny this request," he said.

He added that the historic buildings designed by famed architect Cass Gilbert on the property would only deteriorate more the longer development was staved off.

Maguire said last month that he supported the changes because he believed the type of commercial development proposed would generate tax revenue that could go toward the town's capital project debt and school system and promote synergy among area theaters.

But support from two commissioners is not enough to drive the proposal forward. The changes require at least a 4-to-1 vote in favor to pass, due to the success of a petition filed by abutting neighbors in opposition to the proposed changes.

Commissioner Joseph A. Auwood came out in opposition of the amendment, saying he believed commercial development would erode the character of the neighborhood.

Commissioner Dana Award, who has previously challenged multiple parts of the proposal, said he believed the current draft of the proposal did not mesh with the town's Plan of Conservation and Development. He pointed specifically to the POCD goal of preserving scenic spaces.

Commission Chairman Gwen Hughes said she was concerned about the size and scale of the proposed changes. She said she supported zoning regulations allowing an inn. She said, however, that she was wary of other proposed commercial developments, which include allowing for an on-site catering service, tavern, restaurant and health spa.

Commission alternate Marc Mazzella, who is not slated to vote on the Seaside proposal, said he was concerned about letting the property sit when no better proposal may ever come to the town. Still, he expressed reservations about the proposal given a lack of concrete information.

"I think it would make it a lot easier for a lot of people if we knew exactly what was going to be built," he said.

The commission voted to hold a special meeting Sept. 15 at 6 p.m., at which they may vote on amendments to Steiner's proposal and hold a final vote. Commissioners did not vote on any amendments to Steiner's proposal Monday, though they had the opportunity to do so.

Director of Planning and Development Dennis Goderre noted after Monday's meeting that the commission has the power to push back the final date to vote.

"We might be here in December doing the same thing," he said.

t.townsend@theday.com

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