Do we really need another hotel in Ridgefield?

Our quaint town, dedicated and proud of its history and beauty, already offers visitors accommodations at the West Lane Inn, Stonehenge Inn, and Green Rocks Inn and until recently, The Elms Inn. These small, locally owned businesses work hard to maintain establishments in keeping with Ridgefield's unique charm. As the owner of the West Lane Inn, I am proudly continuing the business my family began in 1978.

Now, during this time of economic struggle and reduced tourism, the town of Ridgefield plans to sell part of the former Schlumberger property to a buyer who intends to build 48-room hotel. Where will these business travelers come from? Ridgefield no longer has many of the businesses that brought corporate travel here in the past and which filled local hotels during the week. Schlumberger and Duty Free, for example, are gone. Boehringer Ingleheim moved from the center of town to the Danbury line.

Mr. Marconi states that this new hotel "complex" will fill a need for hotel rooms made worse with the recent closing of The Elms Inn. But why did The Elms close? The West Lane Inn has not experienced an increase in business since their closing. I have been in the hotel business in this town for 35 years, I know Ridgefield can not support another hotel.

Some might say that you can't stop progress. I say lets preserve our town and all that makes Ridgefield unique and special. When reviewing our town, Frommer's travel guide described Ridgefield as "a true evocation of the New England character, a hint of Vermont." How long is that going to last? Please vote at the special town meeting on December 16th, 7:30pm in Town Hall.

Debbie Prieger, Innkeeper, The West Lane Inn ~ Ridgefield