Walgreen's Loses Legal Battle to Open New Store in Fairfield

Walgreen’s has reportedly lost its legal fight against the and in its effort to open a new store at 1280 Stratfield Road, formerly occupied by Stratfield Market.

According to an article in the CT Post, Walgreen’s has been fighting decisions made by the TPZ and ZBA regarding its application for about the past five years, while the vacant storefront sits empty and deteriorates. The chain reportedly first applied to open the store in 2006, however some residents — including well-known musician John Mayer — expressed opposition to the project, saying the plan was not in keeping with the rest of the neighborhood.

Following the TPZ’s and ZBA’s rejections of Walgreen’s application, the chain appealed to Bridgeport Superior Court, which upheld the decisions. It then appealed the state Superior Court decision to the , which upheld the Superior Court's ruling, according to the CT Post report.

What's more, the TPZ recently changed the regulations for neighborhood business districts, essentially eliminating chain stores as permitted uses in those zones.

With its legal options exhausted, many are wondering if Walgreen’s will now sublease the property to a business that will present a plan that is more amendable to neighbors and P&Z officials.

already has one location in Fairfield at 740 Villa Avenue.