Copyright Hartford Courant
A highly controversial plan for 40 multifamily and affordable dwelling units in five buildings in a suburban town has been shared in a way that allows the public to weigh in on whether the project “may significantly affect the environment.” The plan for the 100% affordable housing on 2.48 acres at 980 High St., Fairfield, has drawn the sharp ire of some residents, but the Board of Selectmen recently approved a transfer of $570,000 from the Affordable Housing Trust Fund to the Fairfield Housing Corporation, according to action at an Oct. 29 meeting. The request for the transfer was from the Fairfield Affordable Housing Committee, the agenda shows. According to the state Environmental Monitor, which shares information under the Connecticut Environmental Policy Act, for projects at a “scoping stage,” the proposed development includes the 40 multifamily dwelling units “as well as the adaptively reused existing circa 1890’s farmhouse into a community room and management offices.” Further, the project is 100% affordable with projected household incomes ranging from 30% to 80% of area median income “in 18 one bedroom, 16 two bedroom and 6 three bedroom dwelling units.” All of the first floor apartments would be fully accessible units and the site is “located in a pedestrian friendly neighborhood and is an 8 minute walk to Holland Hill elementary school, and many retail and medical establishments on Black Rock Turnpike, and a bus stop,” the Monitor reports. It notes that the State Historic Preservation Office shared, “The property located at 980 High Street does not appear eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. Portions of the soil series descriptions reported for the project area are noted to be urban land, characterized by periods of filling, cutting, and other ground disturbing activities. Review of historic aerials show a period of rapid development around the project area between 1934 and 1949. These conditions indicate that the project area has a low potential to yield intact archaeological deposits. Based on the information provided, no historic properties will be affected.” In a central CT suburb, 200 new luxury apartments hit market. The price range is wide. No major environmental concern was identified, the Monitor shared. When a project is at the scoping stage, sponsoring agencies “are asking for comments from other agencies and from the public as to the scope of alternatives and environmental impacts that should be considered for further study.” Residents shared on social media that they objected to the project, including noting that the town had fought the project twice in court, that the neighborhood already is highly developed, and disappointment in approval of money being spent on it. Other effort to prevent the project have also focused on the historic nature of the site. “The house dates back to 1895 and was built by Carpenter William S. Judd. It is a well preserved example of the Queen Ann style in Fairfield,” a Change.org petition says. The Fairfield Housing Corporation, however, notes, “this project is just one small step in a statewide initiative to increase and improve affordable living options for moderate to low income families.” “The proposed plans for the property located at 980 High Street, Fairfield, Connecticut reflect the local neighborhood’s pedestrian friendliness and blends adeptly in to the New England character of the town. All proposed units would be affordable units, which means forty apartments will be rented to individuals/families earning at or below 80% of area median income,” the Fairfield Housing Corporation says online. It was noted during the Oct. 29 meeting of the Board of Selectmen that the project aims to serve, young families, adults with disabilities and “our seniors.” It also was noted that the project would help the town achieve a new moratorium for affordable housing projects. One selectman sought to postpone the vote but was overruled. According to the Monitor, written comments from the public are welcomed and will be accepted until the close of business on Dec. 4, 2025. “Any person may ask the sponsoring agency to hold a public scoping meeting by sending such a request to the (appropriate) address…if a public scoping meeting is requested by 25 or more individuals, or by an association that represents 25 or more members, the sponsoring agency shall schedule a public scoping meeting,” the Monitor reports, noting such requests must be made by: Nov. 14, 2025. Written comments and/or requests for a public scoping meeting should be sent to: Mithila Chakraborty, Ph.D., Connecticut Dept. of Housing, 505 Hudson St., Hartford, 06106-7106. The email address is mithila.chakraborty@ct.gov. Requests to view and or copy documents, pursuant to the state Freedom of Information Act, also can be submitted to Chakraborty. According to the agency, a “CEPA assessment is required for each state agency action or sequence of actions undertaken by a state department, institution or agency that could have a major impact on the state’s environmental, social, and/or economic resources.” According to the Monitor, the sponsoring agency will then determine whether to prepare an Environmental Impact Evaluation or that the project does not require one under the Connecticut Environmental Policy Act.
