More Opinions On Fairfield Hills

By Steve Bigham

The results of another Fairfield Hills poll are in, and while they may be inconclusive, they do represent the opinions of an “informed” group of residents.

The poll was handed out to those residents who showed up at the February 17 Fairfield Hills Public Input Workshop at Newtown High School. About 50 responded to the poll, which asked residents for feedback on a handful of various redevelopment options for the 186-acre campus.

According to the poll, 88 percent said they supported town purchase of the property. However, their opinions varied somewhat on how the town might want to use it. Sixty-three percent said they favored a long-term lease of the five largest buildings on the campus for corporate use to help strengthen the town’s economic tax base. Only 32 percent were in favor of land banking the buildings for future town use.

Under the category of the much-talked about entry plaza, 69 percent favored using the plaza for mixed use, 24 percent favored including it as part of a long-term lease to a corporation, and 52 percent supported land banking the buildings for future municipal use.

As for open space, 91 percent were in favor of using some of it for recreational use (sports fields).  Ninety-three percent agreed that the top of the field should be used for passive recreation.

Under the category of schools, 94 percent supported land designation for future schools, while 48 percent called for the town to set aside a location for alternative education.

In the category of town offices, 88 percent said they wanted to save Stamford Hall for municipal use, while 81 percent were in favor of using Stratford Hall. Both buildings are outside the main area of the campus.

When it comes to Plymouth Hall, the campus’ recreation facility, 89 percent favored using it for the Parks & Recreation Department and 52 percent said they would like to see it leased to a private recreation group, such as the YMCA.