Fairfield Hills – A Progress Report

To the Editor:

When the master plan for Fairfield Hills (FFH) was defeated in a referendum August 12, 2003, the selectmen decided there would not be another vote, and that they would make future decisions concerning FFH.

In talking with people recently as I pass out informational flyers on behalf of the Friends of Fairfield Hills, invariably I am asked, “What are they going to do with Fairfield Hills?” Here is what I know.

1. February 2, the Board of Selectmen restated support for the master plan and agreed to demolish: Danbury, Fairfield, Bridgewater, Yale, Litchfield, Cochran, Greenwich, Norwalk, adding Stamford and Plymouth to make ten buildings. (Kent, Canaan, Bridgeport, Shelton, Woodbury, Newtown, and Stratford remain for economic development totaling 200,000 square feet, needing 1,500–2,000 parking spaces). An engineering study for Shelton Hall will be done to determine whether it would be less expensive to renovate or demolish it and construct a new town hall building. The single-family homes would be saved for affordable housing. No mention was made of the duplexes.

2. April 5, the Board of Selectmen voted to arrange an engineering study for Plymouth Hall before deciding on its demolition. They expressed concern for its structural integrity. Plymouth Hall was the former recreation building, and has a gym, auditorium, large and small rooms, and snack bar and bowling alley in the basement. In 1998, the state updated Plymouth. All the hazardous materials were removed and a new roof was installed. Plymouth is the building that stands to the right as you enter Canaan House.

3. May 17 they agreed to retain the University of Connecticut to conduct a public opinion poll regarding reuse of FFH.

No other decisions have been made public that I am aware of, but I believe a number of important questions remain to be answered.

1. What will be the main objective of the selectmen’s plan?

2. Will the open spaces be preserved?

3. Will the public have access to FFH for walking, biking, and riding?

4. How will Edmond Town Hall be utilized?

5. Will the proposed new recreation building be erected in the core campus or elsewhere?

6. Will seven playing fields be constructed in the core FFH area or off campus?

7. Will Bridgeport Hall be owned and operated by the town for a community center?

8. Will the senior citizens be given additional space at FFH?

9. Is there a center for the arts somewhere in the future of FFH?

10. Will a building or land be used to accommodate the growing high school population?

11. Will there be a skateboard park at FFH?

12. What buildings will developers take over?

13. What management plan will be put in place to oversee this marvelous acquisition?

Like many others Newtown residents I am eager to know what “they” will do.

Ruby Johnson

16 Chestnut Hill Road, Sandy Hook                               May 19, 2004