FAIRFIELD, CT — Fairfield’s Board of Selectpersons unanimously approved an agreement advancing a proposed affordable housing development on Greenfield Street, and backed additional funding for the Rooster River flood mitigation project during its May 5 meeting.
The board voted 3-0 to authorize First Selectperson Christine Vitale to enter into a development agreement with Habitat for Humanity of Coastal Fairfield County for the redevelopment of 254 Greenfield St. The project could create up to four affordable housing units.
Community and Economic Development Director Mark Barnhart said the town purchased the property using American Rescue Plan Act funds and plans to partner with Habitat for Humanity on the development. Barnhart said he expects to return to the board in June or July seeking approval for a ground lease agreement related to the project.
The development is the latest town-owned housing project on the street, following a similar initiative at 240 Greenfield St.
The board also unanimously approved a bond resolution increasing funding for the Rooster River flood mitigation project by $2.45 million. The amendment raises the total appropriation tied to planning, design and construction work associated with the project.
Senior Civil Engineer Megha Jain said the additional authorization is needed before bids are issued for work at Fairchild Wheeler Golf Course and Tunxis Hill. Jain said the project had to be rebid after weather delays and scheduling concerns affected the original timeline.
According to Jain, work originally planned for January was delayed because of snow, while Bridgeport officials requested that the golf course remain open during scheduled outings. The Tunxis Hill portion of the project is expected to begin first, with work at Fairchild Wheeler now anticipated to start in September.
In other business, the board approved the appointment of Bianca Slade of Arrowhead Lane as an alternate member of the Land Acquisition Commission, replacing Hilary Lane, who moved to a full member position. The appointment still requires Representative Town Meeting approval.
The board also reappointed Barnhart to the Western Connecticut Tourism District Board of Directors for a term running through June 2029. Barnhart said the state tourism district receives funding from the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development to promote tourism across regional areas.
The board approved a lawn and grounds maintenance contract with Love Your Home LLC of Stamford after the town’s original contractor withdrew from the agreement. Purchasing Director Adam Tulin said the item returned to the board because the initial company had pulled out of the contract.
Officials also approved a five-year renewal agreement with ChimeNet of Wallingford for managed firewall, remote cable site and wide-area network services. Tulin said ChimeNet has long provided the service and described the company as the only viable provider currently available to the town. The agreement carries a recurring monthly cost not to exceed $15,972.08, though Tulin said the actual figure is $13,028.08.
The board additionally authorized an amended easement agreement related to a sanitary sewer line at 730 and 770 Commerce Drive. Water Pollution Control Utility General Manager Michele Gore said the easement expansion is needed because a mixed-use residential project is being built above an existing 30-inch utility pipeline.
The board also approved $52,777.23 in tax refunds and adopted minutes from its April 1 meeting.
During First Selectperson updates, Vitale said the Representative Town Meeting recently heard appeals related to town budget funding for the Kennedy Collective and the Norma Pfriem Breast Center. Vitale said the RTM restored funding for the breast center but declined to restore funding for the Kennedy Collective. The RTM is scheduled to vote on the town budget May 26, while the Board of Finance is expected to set the mill rate June 2.
Vitale also said Fairfield’s automated traffic enforcement program has begun. First-time violations carry a $50 fine, while second violations result in a $75 fine. Selectperson Brenda Kupchick suggested installing larger signs in school zones during a discussion about speed cameras and traffic safety efforts.
The board's next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 19. Click here to view the agenda.
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