5-Story Apartment Building Could Replace Fairfield Masonic Temple

FAIRFIELD, CT — Nearly 300 people have signed a petition opposing a five-story affordable apartment complex proposed less than a block from Old Town Hall.

Residents are concerned the project will disrupt the historic character of the neighborhood and increase traffic and parking issues in an already busy area. The development is planned for 131 Beach Road, the 0.65-acre site of the old Masonic Temple. As proposed, the apartment building will stand about 60 feet tall, with 40 rental units and 55 parking spots, according to plans posted on the town website.

“The Old Post Road Area Association and neighbors recognizes the need and welcomes affordable housing in our community, however it is clear this developer is using this statute, to erect the largest building possible in a neighborhood most Fairfield residents consider sacred,” said the petition, which had 294 signatures Monday morning. “… A five-story Apartment complex is simply incongruous to this neighborhood. The location in question, is literally the ‘entry point’ into the Historic District.”

The Beach Road lot is not part of the town’s historic district, but abuts properties on Old Post Road that are within the district, according to Planning Director Jim Wendt. In addition to its proximity to the town government commons, the site is across the street from First Church Congregational and Great Beginnings Montessori School.

Walter Shaw, who started the petition on Change.org, and Chris Smith, an attorney representing developer 131 Beach Road LLC, did not respond to requests for comment.

The developer is seeking approval from the Town Plan and Zoning Commission under state law Section 8-30g, which dictates the only way the commission could deny the proposal is by proving it poses a threat to public health, welfare and safety that outweighs Fairfield's need for affordable housing. Section 8-30g applies to towns where less than 10 percent of housing stock meets state criteria to be recognized as affordable. The developer is planning to rent 12 of the complex’s 40 apartments below market rate.

In plans on the town website, the developer said the project will meet a need for moderate-income families in Fairfield. The complex will include a mix of one- and two-bedroom units. Traffic projections for the development predict it will generate 218 car trips in or out of the complex on a typical weekday.

The proposed building will be designed with white siding, gabled roofing, and four stories of apartments above a ground-floor, open-air parking structure, according to renderings on the town website.

A public hearing for the project will be held at a zoning commission meeting 4:30 p.m. Tuesday via Webex. To attend the hearing or for additional details and renderings, visit https://fairfieldct.org/tpz.