A New Look At Reusing FFH Duplexes

By Kendra Bobowick

Could the Fairfield Hills duplexes reshape into a health and social service hub?

“I think they can be developed thematically,” said First Selectman Pat Llodra recently. Kevin’s Community Center is already looking at one building, and as soon as next Tuesday, July 13, Newtown Youth & Family Services (NYFS) representatives will tour another. Interested members of the NYFS board of directors will visit next week, “to have a look.”

The duplex area is private, said Mrs Llodra. “To use it for the needs of our community in a confidential environment is a wonderful way to do things. The campus can be designed to serve the needs of all in town.”

Conversations have already begun with the Kevin’s Community Center, a free health care clinic for residents without coverage, and a $500,000 grant is in place. Mrs Llodra said, “We received the money, now it’s our responsibility to use it.”

The grant will be applied to infrastructure, roads, lots, and site work. She wondered, “What does it mean for Kevin’s if they’re looking at a duplex that is fully abated?” Her thoughts then turned to remaining costs. “We need some numbers,” Mrs Llodra said. “What costs would they bear to renovate that space to support programming? What are the costs to make it habitable?”

Mrs Llodra said she then considered the town’s similar services like Newtown Youth & Family Services and Social Services. She wonders if an interest exists among the services in relocating to the duplex area, she said. “If there is merit to the idea, we could reach out to the other programs.”

The theme concept and discussion is one that may belong with the new Fairfield Hills Master Plan Review Committee, she said. “It’s a beautiful opportunity, but it is up to the boards to evaluate. Can it work financially?”

The quiet cul-de-sac “has potential,” Mrs Llodra said, but so much of planning depends on interest and costs.

Additional grant funds are available to the NYFS, but Mrs Llodra reiterated that she still does not know the full costs of “bringing the duplexes up to a serviceable level.”