mobanmarketFAIRFIELD, CT — Signatures are being collected on a petition in opposition of the proposed 250-unit residential complex and 110-room boutique hotel on the Post Road in Fairfield.
As of Monday, Fairfield Circle Neighbors For Responsible Development had gathered more than 250 signatures on the petition toward a goal of 1,000, Marney White, one of the group’s organizers, told Patch. More information about the petition can be found here.
The group is not completely against the proposal, but instead wants the Town Plan and Zoning Commission to deny it in its current design. In its place, the group would like to see a scaled back plan that would reduce the potential environmental impact on the immediate area around 441 Post Road.
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“The current design proposal includes a 250-unit apartment complex, a 110-unit hotel, a 473-car, five-story parking garage, and 65 at-grade parking spaces,” the petition reads. “We appreciate the need for more housing in Fairfield and believe that an apartment building on the site will benefit the area in many ways. However, we believe that the project, as currently designed, poses significant risks and challenges to the environment and to the structural safety of neighboring homes.”
White said that the group hopes to convince the developers, 441 Post Road, LLC, that a scaled down version can work. Thus far, meetings with the developers have not produced a scaled down alternative.
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In addition to White, the other members of the opposition’s steering committee include Linda Batchelder, Rob Glendinning, Sean Kelly and Karen Wackerman.
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The group has enlisted attorney Joel Green to represent it, and is setting up a legal defense fund to help cover expenses.
Among the issues the group says it has with the planned development is that it claims the proposal runs afoul of town zoning laws.
“Town regulations for the property allow for 7- to 10-units per acre, yielding a maximum of approximately 65 units,” the petition reads. “Thus, the size and scope of the proposed project is nearly four times larger than what the town zoning deems appropriate for the site.”
This month, 19 letters of support for the project have been submitted to the commission from local residents and businesses.
“As a resident of Fairfield with two children in Fairfield Public Schools, I would like to express my strong support for the project,” wrote resident Becky Cerroni; similar sentiments were shared by other residents. “This development is thoughtfully designed and exactly the type of development that will improve the quality of life for residents and neighbors.
“I trust that after the town completes its due diligence and confirms project adherence to local regulations, this development will be a valuable addition to our community.”
Added resident Heather Austrie, “This initiative represents exactly the kind of thoughtful, well-designed growth that will benefit our community. I trust that all necessary steps have been taken to ensure the project complies with local regulations and meets the highest standards of quality.”
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