No Trespassing—

Some ‘Cross The Line’ In Fairfield Hills Work Zones

by Kendra Bobowick

An open gate is not an invitation. Some residents find themselves on the wrong side of the fence, literally, in several Fairfield Hills work zones, and officials are prepared to respond firmly, according to Richard Sturdevant, in charge of the Fairfield Hills Authority Safety Committee.

Mr Sturdevant is concerned that those overlooking the posted signs warning people to “keep out” will encounter stern enforcement.

His remarks are clear.

“Stay out. Stay away from the construction site. Stay away from that area,” he said.

Maria DeMarco with DeMarco Management Corporation, which is now overseeing the campus, and Mr Sturdevant, are both reluctant but prepared to take action. They want to make certain that the clearly fenced off and posted areas are respected by those out for a walk, skating, bicycling, etc.

Those caught beyond sections marked “hard hat area,” “danger,” “restricted area,” “no trespassing,” and “do not enter,” will walk into strict measures.

Ms DeMarco said, “We’re going to ask police to issue citations to trespassers, and we will put up yellow tape to outline where people should not go.”

Mr Sturdevant also indicates that those straying from the areas open to the public can risk injury.

“We have had a problem with people wandering onto the campus while the construction company completes soil remediation,” he said. “They’re wandering into an area where there is danger — heavy equipment.”

Ms DeMarco’s frustration stems from fear someone will be hurt.

Considering the number of backhoes and dump trucks on site, she said, “The working crews don’t have the luxury of seeing people who are, say, walking their dogs.”

Both she and Mr Sturdevant feel they have been fair with those accustomed to walking through the facility regularly for exercise. However, Ms DeMarco stressed, “There are areas where people can walk, but there are people who ignore the signs.”

She believes she has tried to “strike a compromise, and most of the townspeople have been great, but we still have those not following the rules.”

She believes the restricted areas are already obvious, explaining that a temporary chain-link fence encloses portions of the Fairfield Hills grounds. The gate is left open across the roadway during the day so crews can come and go as necessary. Heavier, standalone iron gates that cross the roadways are also closed at night.