Ridgefield P&Z Approves Bridge Project, Continues Sewer Hearing Over Notice Issue

RIDGEFIELD, CT — The Planning and Zoning Commission on March 24 unanimously approved a floodplain application tied to a state bridge replacement project on West Branchville Road, while continuing a separate public hearing on a sewer infrastructure project due to notification concerns.

The commission voted unanimously to approve an application for the replacement of the bridge on Portland Avenue over the Norwalk River, following discussion of long-term maintenance responsibilities.

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Applicant Jeffrey Fontaine told commissioners the town will handle routine maintenance after construction, while the bridge will remain in the state’s inspection program, with evaluations conducted every two years. He said any major deterioration would be addressed through a future application process, though such work is not anticipated for decades.

The approval includes multiple conditions outlined by staff, including coordination with state and federal environmental agencies, ongoing monitoring by a licensed engineer, and requirements for erosion control, floodplain compliance, and site restoration.

Sewer Project Hearing Continued Over Notification Issues

The commission continued a public hearing on a special permit application for sewer infrastructure work at 59 South Street after determining that required notices to nearby condominium owners were incomplete.

The application, submitted by the town and represented by Matthew Formica, proposes relocating a pump station and constructing a new gravity sewer connection.

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P&Z Chair Robert Hendrick said the notification process was deficient because notices were sent to a homeowners association but not all individual unit owners, adding that the omission could affect public participation.

Commissioners debated whether to require the applicant to withdraw and resubmit or proceed with re-noticing. Ultimately, the commission agreed to continue the hearing to allow additional notice to be provided.

The hearing was continued to April 14, with an extension granted through April 29 if needed.

Residents who spoke during the hearing supported re-notification to ensure broader awareness.

Bailey Avenue Signage Approved

The commission also unanimously approved signage and façade changes for a commercial property at 9 Bailey Ave.

The application, submitted by Erika Allen on behalf of Regency Centers, included a new building sign and façade color change for “Make Modern.”

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Commissioners incorporated recommendations from the Architectural Advisory Committee, including review of bracket details by the building inspector and confirmation of signage placement.

A related special permit for a second projecting sign at the same location will be discussed April 28.

Other Business

• The commission set an April 26 site walk and April 28 public hearing for a proposed expansion at Ridgefield Academy, 223 West Mountain Road.
• A signage application for 23 Governor St. (“Elegant Ridgefield Annex”) was received and scheduled for discussion on April 14.
• Commissioners discussed potential updates to public notification requirements as part of broader zoning regulation revisions.

Enforcement Update

The commission received an update on a zoning matter at 967 Ethan Allen Highway, where property owners are working with the town to relocate a smoker. Officials set an April 30 deadline for completion, with the matter subject to further action if unresolved.

...and about that nearby helipad...

Separately, the commission agreed without objection to send a letter to officials in Lewisboro, NY, requesting a delay in a public hearing on a proposed residential helipad near the Ridgefield border, citing concerns about safety, noise and flight paths.

The meeting adjourned at 8:32 p.m.