Plan To Build Public Pool Makes Waves In Wealthy Connecticut Town

DARIEN, Conn. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- The latest plan to build the first public pool in the wealthy Connecticut town of Darien is making waves.

The turbulence developed over the past several months after a consultant recommended an outdoor, seasonal pool at the town-owned Weed Beach Park, which sits on Long Island Sound next to multimillion-dollar houses.

Nearby property owners are voicing concerns over security, traffic, noise, cost, and building in a wetlands area vulnerable to damage from storm surges. But a survey of 2,100 residents shows 66 percent support building a pool at the park.

First Selectman Jayme Stevenson said many families in the area belong to private beach clubs, but not everyone can afford the upscale lifestyle.

"We have a large portion of our population under the age of 18, about 38 percent of our population is under the age of 18, so amenities for families and children are very treasured by the town of Darien," Stevenson told WCBS 880's Fran Schneidau.

Stevenson said first the cost of the pool must be determined, not only to build it, but to maintain it over the years.

"I think the primary points of opposition are certainly the cost, we have to be very cognizant in these challenging economic times on how we invest taxpayer dollars," Stevenson said.

The town's Parks and Recreation Commission has decided to go back to the drawing board and evaluate several possible locations, including Weed Beach, as part of Darien's master park plan.

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