At the ir Thursday, October 26 meeting, New Fairfield’s Board of Selectmen (BOS) agreed to accept a Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP) grant in the amount of $475,272, which will be used for the ongoing town green project. Town officials are enthused about the idea of a gathering space that will allow for more town event opportunities. Phase one includes an amphit heater, a picnic area, and possibly a playground.

Selectman Ms. Khris Hall said, “I think it’s going to provide a lot of opportunity to our residents to get together, to grab a sandwich and have lunch outdoors. It’ll enable more performance-type events.” She went on to say, “Right now we rely on the gazebo, the Lion’s gazebo, which is a nice resource for us, and we’re thankful to the Lions Clubs for maintaining it, but it is not the best possible performance venue so I think this is really exciting, and I’m looking forward to getting going on it.” Selectman Ms. Lori Beninson agreed, “I was thinking back to the days of the Playhouse, how much fun would that be to be in that space? To get the kids out there, musicians, etc.”

There was a discussion about an upcoming New Fairfield Planning Commission listening session on November 27, at which BOS members will contribute ideas to include for the developing 2024 10-year plan. They will each review the 2014 Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD) to consider what items should remain on the plan, plus will discuss new additions. First Selectman Ms. Pat Del Monaco said, “I think a lot of the goals and actions are very consistent with some of the things that we are currently doing and we may want to remove those items or recommended those get left in, whereas we may want to add some and certainly there are some that may no longer be relevant just because ten years have passed.” Both selectmen agreed with the approach.

Hall explained that she attended the first Planning Commission listening session earlier in the week and said, “I thought it was really well done. I thought the comments that were made by the various groups that had been invited to speak were very helpful and will help point the Planning Commission in the right direction as they rewrite the POCD.”

In reviewing the personnel report, BOS members discussed a full-time opening for a dispatcher in the Communications Center. There is an ongoing search to fill the position, plus a soon-to-be open position , following the resignation of a second dispatcher who is leaving to go to the police academy.

BOS members approved two American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)-funded small business grants following the recommendation of the New Fairfield Economic Development Commission. $5,000 grants were awarded to WCT New Fairfield Incorporated Taekwondo School and Lotus Garden Yoga School. Local small businesses who suffered losses during the pandemic are welcome to apply. After funding these two grants, there is still $25,000 remaining in the fund.

The next regular Board of Selectmen meeting is scheduled for Thursday, November 9, 7:30 p.m.