Developers Begin Discussions

For Space At FFH

By Kendra Bobowick

Fairfield Hills fills with traffic in the midmornings as commuters mingle with school buses turning toward Reed Intermediate School. The scene plays in reverse as buses leave in the afternoon and, soon after 5 pm, the traffic rush returns. Despite the volumes of businessmen and women, doctors, restaurant owners, retail managers, and others traveling along Wasserman Way toward either Route 25 or Interstate 84, they are only passing through. Officials are working to alter the scene, however.

Like a darkened theater changing sets, the Fairfield Hills landscape is quietly waiting to again welcome back both professionals and the public.

Business and commercial sights may soon interrupt the quaint hills and potentially repopulate the once-busy establishment that drew its share of rush hour traffic as physicians, nurses, personnel, and guests hurried among the hospital’s buildings for more than 60 years.

One resident, Peter D’Amico, already has blueprints in hand for his plans to build a sports complex in the footprint of Bridgewater House (see related story in this issue). First Selectman Herb Rosenthal spoke this week about the municipal and education department offices relocating to a renovated Bridgeport Hall, which he and Fairfield Hills Authority Chairman Robert Geckle believe is a crucial anchor for prospective developers to venture onto the campus.

“No one wants to be first in a ghost town, I’ve heard that from other developers,” Mr Rosenthal said. As he had also mentioned during a recent Legislative Council meeting, Mr Rosenthal said, “They indicate there would be a synergy if we locate town offices there — there would be a venue they would want to be a part of.” Referring to Mr D’Amico’s sports complex, the first selectman said, “Maybe more will happen.”

More specifically, Mr Rosenthal said that Danbury Hospital has an interest in expanding into Newtown. “Clearly, I know they have decided on Newtown,” he said. He also indicated that Fairfield Hills is a prime location.

Throughout 2006 and into this year, the Fairfield Hills Authority has begun conversations with potential developers, and most recently Mr Geckle has heard from several firms interested in Fairfield Hills. Potential tenants and developers considering either renovating or occupying space in the 22½ acres slated for commercial development include what Mr Geckle refers to as “real, live, serious” interests.

Not yet prepared to name entities or specify their type of business, he said, “I can tell you that we’re actively talking to three firms for development, and they are all in various stages of decision.” He also stressed that developers like the idea of converting the campus into a municipal hub for town and education offices.

“Everyone [developers] showing an interest wants to know the commitment of the town,” he said. “They see the town hall and municipal relocation as a sign of commitment and they see it as a sign of an active, vibrant campus.” He added, “I have heard this first-hand.”

Noting the skepticism that has been expressed publicly, Mr Geckle said, “I know a lot of people don’t believe it.” In fact, at the recent Legislative Council meeting following the third referendum failure on May 22, one resident had laughed out loud as Mr Rosenthal explained the “synergy” of locating town offices at Fairfield Hills.

Mr Geckle turned his attention to Danbury Hospital. He knows for certain the hospital is looking for space in Newtown, he said.

“That’s open knowledge,” he said. “They do have an interest to expand into Newtown.” The hospital has also followed up on this interest. “The hospital has done studies here — market studies, had meetings with community doctors to get a feeling about the services they’d like to see here.”

Describing what residents may find at Fairfield Hills in the future, he said, “It could be medical, restaurant, recreation — a whole range.” Negotiations are ongoing, and Mr Geckle is reserved.

“I am the kind of person that ‘The check is in the mail’ isn’t good enough, so I am cautious,” he said. With some optimism, Mr Geckle said, “I feel like we’re making progress and have some serious people expressing interest, they’re not window shoppers.”

Mr Geckle reiterated that the town will retain ownership of the buildings or lots set aside for reuse and enter lease agreements with developers. A developer may only wish to renovate and lease out to a tenant, while other entities may be looking for a space to occupy. The Fairfield Hills Authority has had conversations with both “users and developers,” Mr Geckle said. Several lease scenarios could take shape. What Mr Geckle calls a master developer may take on the whole project and revamp all available space, or different parties may have interests in only portions of the area allotted for commercials use. At no time will the town lose ownership over any property.

So far, one of the three interested parties is considering master development. All are interested in developing, rather than occupying space.