Fairfield Seeks Input On 'Plan Of Conservation And Development'

FAIRFIELD, CT — Fairfield's Plan of Conservation and Development, which has not been updated in seven years, will be the focus of an Open House from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Thursday at Osborn Hill School to allow officials to gather public input on the plan.

The Plan of Conservation and Development is "the town’s policy 'roadmap' for preservation and growth looking forward towards the next decade," according to officials.

"As the title reflects, the Plan of Conservation and Development is an aspirational goal and policy document that seeks to balance the desire to preserve and enhance the community characteristics that draw residents to town, including our legacy and historic neighborhoods, with the need to identify opportunities for economic and housing growth to provide for tax base growth," Jim Wendt, the town's Director of Planning, told Patch. "Following the ultimate plan adoption, next steps will include a comprehensive review of the zoning regulations to direct land use regulation toward implementation of the identified goals and strategies."

In November 2016, Fairfield adopted its most recent POCD, which, among other things, embraced enhancing biking and walking opportunities throughout town, making an effort to acquire more open space in some areas, and revitalize and redevelop parts of the Post Road commercial sectors.

In an email newsletter to her constituents, Town Plan and Zoning Commissioner Alexis Harrison discussed the importance of the POCD for Fairfield's future.

"The POCD is an important document – it is a long-range, visionary document developed with the input from residents, property owners, business owners, and other key stakeholders," Harrison wrote. "It guides the future development of our Town and the Zoning Commission passes regulations in support of the POCD.

"It also establishes goals for open space preservation and natural resource conservation, balanced by identifying future economic development growth opportunities in our commercial districts, such as around our major train stations; expanding housing options to retain our seniors and attract young professionals; and outlining major infrastructure investments needed for future wastewater management, drainage, transportation, and sea level rise mitigation."

Thursday's open house will feature a presentation on where the past public engagement has led officials thus far in drafting the outline of the plan, according to Wendt.

"Attendees will then have the opportunity circulate around the room at various stations to provide input and feedback on the themes that will be presented," Wendt said. "The next step after receiving the feedback will be to draft the actual document, so we do not yet have a draft posted [online]."

— Flyer image via Town of Fairfield