Berg: Rink Can Be Build “Harborside”

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Submitted by Peter Berg

To the Editor,

In the GFP April 28 edition, Mr. Joe Rothenberg (Delivering on Hamill Rink: Respecting the Process and Our Kids) wrote,

“Roger Sherman Baldwin Park, which was considered and rejected (by both the Task Force and the Board of Selectmen) multiple times due to coastal risks, safety concerns for kids, parking constraints, and enormous cost;”

This statement is hogwash.

  1. “Coastal risks.”  Greenwich’s coast is lined with mansions and multi-million-dollar condos.  Builders know how to construct in our flood-zone, following our local and State regulations.  A nearly new waterfront condo at 702 Steamboat Road is listed for $6.45 million.  A new waterfront house at 58 Shore Road listed for $23 million features a “highly engineered underground car gallery.”  Our Town Planner says the proposed Harborside Arena, on the footprint of the now-vacant teen center and Parks Department garages, is a “higher and better use” than the existing uses.  Our Town Plan of Conservation & Development promotes building on existing footprints.
  2. “Safety concerns.”  Baldwin Park has a big drop-off lot.  Arch Street has a flashing-light signalized cross-walk used by thousands of kids and adults crossing to the Island Beach Ferry and to events on Baldwin Lawn, including the Town Party and summertime concerts.
  3. “Parking constraints.”  The 460-space Island Beach Parking Lot is half-empty even on peak commuter days.  Commuter parking demand is counter-cyclical to rink parking demand in late afternoons, evenings, on weekends, and on holidays.
  4. “Enormous costs.”  The now-vacant teen center was built in 1912.  Historic maps show previous buildings on that footprint from the mid-19th century, so it is almost certainly not landfill.  The cost to build Harborside Arena on that footprint is about the same as the Flip rink without the costly disturbance to Morlot Park.  An affordable mezzanine-level restaurant can provide panoramic views of the Harbor, the Sound, events on Baldwin Lawn, and skaters below to Greenwich residents who don’t belong to a yacht club, while also providing lease income that can keep skating fees affordable to Greenwich families.  Once built, the existing Hamill rink can be renovated, providing a seasonal neighborhood amenity.

Fortunately, Greenwich RTM members have very sensitive “hogwash antennae” that can see through smoke and mirrors.

Peter Berg

The writer served on the BET and for 22 years on the RTM including 12 years as chair of the RTM Land Use Committee.  He served on the Greenwich Plaza Task Force.  He served two terms on the Greenwich Library Board of Trustees during the construction of the Peterson Wing including the purchase of the Grassi Cadillac property for parking.  He co-chaired the Building Committee for the Cos Cob Library including the purchase of the land on Suburban Avenue.  He was a director of the Greenwich Land Trust and the League of Women Voters.