Open letter from Eric Tsang to Greenwich Zoning Board of Appeals chair Ken Rogozinski and P&Z chair Margarita Alban
I understand that Berkley Insurance is seeking multiple variances for its proposed office development on Steamboat Road.
However, it appears the applicant has made minimal effort to revise the project in a meaningful way to comply with the Town’s Building Zone Regulations. The proposal continues to return with only superficial modifications, while the core noncompliances remain unchanged.
As outlined in the Town’s zoning framework, the Planning & Zoning Board of Appeals may grant a variance only when the following conditions are met:
• Exceptional difficulty or unusual hardship: The hardship must stem from unique physical characteristics of the property—such as shape, topography, or location—not from circumstances created by the applicant or financial considerations.
• No substantial detriment to the public good: The variance must not adversely affect neighboring properties or compromise the integrity of the zoning plan.
• Consistency with the intent of zoning regulations: Relief must align with the broader objectives of the Town’s zoning code.
• Minimum necessary relief: Any variance granted should represent the least deviation required to address the hardship.
In this case, any claimed hardships appear entirely self-imposed. Granting the requested variances would not only negatively affect adjacent properties but also erode the principle that new construction must conform to the Town’s established zoning standards. Approval under these circumstances would set a concerning precedent and undermine the regulatory framework designed to ensure orderly and equitable development.
Regards
Eric Tsang
