P&Z Revises Master Plan For Fairfield Hills Sports Complex

Following discussion at a September 20 public hearing, Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z) members approved modifications to the Fairfield Hills Master Plan, creating a mechanism to allow the construction of the nonprofit Newtown Youth Academy (NYA), a private sports/recreation facility at Fairfield Hills.

In a related matter, the P&Z conducted a public hearing on a site plan for the project, but continued that hearing until October 4, when additional information on the project is expected to be available.

P&Z member Robert Poulin, who served as P&Z chairman at the September 20 session, said agency members would consider that information when the hearing resumes on October 4.

The Fairfield Hills Authority (FHA) recently recommended that the town enter a lease agreement that would allow the sports facility to be built. The project is proposed by resident Peter D’Amico.

Under the arrangement, the town would make land available at Fairfield Hills and Mr D’Amico would finance the sports complex. The project would include the demolition of Bridgewater House, where the sports facility would be built.

The single-story structure would have two wings that enclose indoor sports courts. The 65,000-square-foot facility would be designed in keeping with the architectural style of Fairfield Hills.

The Fairfield Hills Master Plan changes that were approved by the P&Z on September 20 also reserve areas for a town sports/recreation facility and a town senior citizen center, as well as vehicle parking.