What's Next For Former Fermi?

ENFIELD, CT — Enfield officials are asking residents to help shape the future of the former Fermi High School by participating in a community survey and a series of public engagement sessions focused on the aging Municipal Annex.

The town recently launched a dedicated redevelopment webpage outlining the history of the property, current challenges, ongoing planning efforts and opportunities for public input.

Three community input sessions are planned at the Enfield Municipal Annex, 124 North Maple St., using the Recreation Department entrance:

• Thursday, July 16: 6 to 7:30 p.m.
• Saturday, Aug. 1: 10 a.m. to noon.
• September: Date to be announced.

Residents can also complete an online survey even if they are unable to attend a meeting.

The former Fermi High School has served as the Municipal Annex since 2016 and is home to numerous town departments, recreation programs and community organizations. However, officials say the building has significant mechanical and operational issues that require major decisions about its long-term future.

Town officials say the goal is to determine whether the Annex should be renovated or whether a new location would better serve the community's recreational, educational and civic needs.

Over the past year, the town has:

• Issued a request for proposals for adaptive reuse of the property.
• Applied for up to $4 million in Community Investment Fund grants for HVAC, track and turf improvements, along with a separate planning grant.
• Hosted an initial public input session.
• Conducted a public walkthrough of the facility.
• Released a behind-the-scenes mechanical systems tour on YouTube.

Staff are now evaluating current building uses, identifying maintenance needs, preparing a Community Development Block Grant application for up to $2.5 million, and collecting community feedback before recommending next steps to the Town Council.

The Annex traces its roots to 1971, when Enrico Fermi High School opened following rapid population growth in Enfield. After voters approved consolidating the town's two high schools in 2010, the final Fermi graduation was held in June 2016, and the building was converted into the Municipal Annex later that year.

Town officials said the redevelopment webpage will be updated regularly as new studies, videos, project updates and additional public engagement opportunities become available.