The most recent revisions to the proposed Belvedere-at-Thames development are a step in the right direction, but we are not there yet.

Both the Town and the developer need to make additional accommodations to arrive at a workable compromise. As a former member of the Bristol Historic District Commission and a resident of the cistrict, I have a couple suggestions.

First, the town needs zoning that promotes higher residential-density downtown. We need more people living there to patronize its stores and restaurants, visit its library and other public spaces, to attend cultural events — to ensure its vitality.  But the population density of the center of town has dropped over the years. Homes which once housed families, now have one or two occupants.

Among their concerns, critics of the Belvedere development cite zoning regulations which require at least a 4,000 square-foot-lot per dwelling unit in this area; the proposed building clearly violates this. But, that regulation virtually prohibits creation of dwelling units in this downtown area.

This is wrongheaded. This zoning provision should be revised to allow high-density residential uses. The existing zoning regulation is inappropriate and should not be used to deny the Belvedere project.

Second, the visual mass of the proposed building is a serious concern; it still seems to loom over the streetscape. The building should have at least the setback that the new Stone Harbor building has. The upper massing must be reduced as well. The revised design breaks up the Thames facade so it appears to be several buildings rather than a monolithic block — a good move. 

The same should be done for the State street side. This treatment of the facade should be reinforced by pitching the roof for some sections and adding dormers there. Doing so would better mimic the small, separate-unit appearance of the immediate area, while making the building less imposing.

A comprise is feasible.  No one will be totally happy, but then, no one wants empty lots and vacant storefronts either.

Gary Watros

291 High St., Bristol