P&Z Clears The Way For School Construction

By Andrew Gorosko

In two split-decision votes, Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z) members have designated the town-owned land at Fairfield Hills, which holds Watertown Hall, as the site for a new Grade 5/6 public school.

In a 3-to-2 vote following an August 1 public hearing, P&Z members approved creating a new land use zone specifically for public schools, known as a PS zone.

In a second 3-to-2 vote, P&Z members then rezoned the town-owned land at Fairfield Hills from its Conservation/Agriculture (CA) zoning designation to PS zoning, as a preliminary step toward the construction of a Grade 5/6 public school there.

School Superintendent John Reed told P&Z members the town needs a new school in light of a rising population.

Dr Reed told P&Z members that much research into sites for a new school has been done, adding that the Fairfield Hills site is the only available property large enough to accommodate a new school, according to P&Z records. The proposed school, which is intended to house about 1,100 students, is projected to cost $33.2 million.

Board of Education Chairman Elaine McClure told P&Z members the property is a good site for a public school.

The state transferred ownership of the Fairfield Hills site to the town in 1998 as part of an agreement which settled the town’s lawsuit against the state over the construction of Garner Correctional Institution, the state’s high security prison on Nunnawauk Road. The 22.6-acre Fairfield Hills site currently holds Watertown Hall, which is a former dormitory building, and also a multi-bay garage, and fields.

First Selectman Herbert Rosenthal told P&Z members that the selectmen had endorsed creating the PS zoning designation, and also had endorsed converting the site’s CA zoning to PS zoning in preparation for school construction. Mr Rosenthal said he considers the site an excellent place to build a school.

P&Z members then voted 3-to-2 to create the PS zoning designation, with Chairman Daniel Fogliano, Stephen Koch, and Lilla Dean voting in favor, and Heidi Winslow and Robert Taylor opposed.

The majority of P&Z members agreed that the new zoning designation is consistent with the public need to provide schools within town, and that the new designation will enhance the future development of public school properties, as well as economically benefit the town.

According to P&Z records, Mr Fogliano said much research about the site had been done, adding that he considers it a good place to build a public school.

But Ms Winslow objected to the proposal, saying she was dismayed that another location for a school could not be found, rather than taking such a large amount of land out of the CA zone.

Mr Taylor said much time was spent formulating the CA zone. Changing a portion of that zone to another zone could set a precedent, he said, adding that limiting the property’s use to a public school site is restrictive.

In the light of the expected redevelopment of Fairfield Hills, the P&Z created the CA zone for Fairfield Hills in April 1998. The CA zone is intended to provide for the long-term maintenance of land in an undeveloped state by limiting its use to wildlife habitats, farming, forestry, and passive recreation. Such a zone is intended to preserve and protect: existing and potential drinking water supplies, plant and animal wildlife, unique natural features, watersheds, aquatic life, vistas, and sensitive archaeological sites. Permitted uses in CA zones include forestry, pedestrian hiking trails, natural wildlife habitat, nature preserves, and open-space areas.

Mr Koch said the Fairfield Hills site is a unique one, which would benefit the town with the presence of a school.

Ms Dean said there is a need to expand the public school system, adding that large schools are not desirable land uses in residential areas.

The newly created PS zone allows the presence of public schools, parks, and playgrounds, and also municipal equipment shops. The new zoning regulations provide technical specifications for construction in such areas.

Zone Change

P&Z members then voted on rezoning the site from CA zoning to PS zoning. In that vote, Mr Fogliano, Mr Koch, and Ms Dean voted in favor of the zone change, with Ms Winslow and Mr Taylor opposed.

 The three-member P&Z majority decided that the rezoning reflects the need to build a new public school, will enhance the redevelopment of Fairfield Hills, and will economically benefit the town.

According to P&Z records, in a discussion before the vote, Ms Winslow said she disagrees with removing land from the CA zone for school construction.

Mr Fogliano noted that Watertown Hall already stands on the site, adding that the zone change to PS zoning is a good idea. Building a new school there would require Watertown Hall to be demolished.

Mr Taylor said the town could do better planning work on school construction. He said the P&Z was being heavily pressured to convert the land from its CA zoning designation to a PS zone.

Mr Rosenthal, an ex-officio member of the P&Z, offered his views on the matter. Ex-officio members do not having voting rights.

Mr Rosenthal said the property had been suggested as a site for a public school before the P&Z gave it a CA zoning designation in April 1998. Mr Rosenthal said he considers the property a perfect site for a public school.

Voters have given the Grade 5/6 school construction project a preliminary approval at a town meeting.