By Sarah Opdahl

On Wednesday, Au gust 7, New Fairfield’s Zoning Commission (the “Commission”) held a public hearing on an amendment that would pave the way for an affordable senior housing project on what was the October House property. The proposal, which was rejected, would have doubled the allowable density per lot size, or number o f bedrooms and overall units per acre, in the regulations. The Commission is currently working with a consultant to rewrite regulations and referred to that as a primary consideration in rejecting the proposal. They also t hanked the applicants for their extensive work.

Given the State mandates regarding affordable housing, and the Town’s low affordable housing options, New Fairfield is subject to 8-30g,  a state-wide statute which allows for an appeals procedure to override local zoning denials of affordable housing proposals, if they are deemed to be without just cause. The Commission is cautiously navigating potential regulat ions changes, especially with the rewrites underway. Chair Mr. John Moran said he looks forward to having a regulation written “for the whole town,” and Vice Chair Mr. Kevin Van Vlack agreed, saying “I think we want to involve some other parties again and make sure that what we roll out, town wide, makes sense.”

Attorney Mr. Neil Marcus, who is representing the applicants, spoke before the vote in favor of the policy change, attempting to assuage the fears that it would “open the floodgates” and be a blanket change to all Town properties, given the st ipulations attached to this piece. He said, “there are very few sites within the town that can qualify because we have not amended the requirements for the distance within which the property must be located from the commercial zone. That’s the 1500 foot requirement.” It was pointed out that more density is needed, in conjunction with smaller units, to make the project more affordable. The project would essentially go from six bedrooms per acre of land to twelve, with six or eight units per dwelling. All driveway and screening planning would also eventually run through the Commission as well.

Commission members had a brief discussion on the potential student crosswalk move on Gillotti Road, reading into record a letter from a resident who expressed many concerns regarding the proposed location, crossing at the high/middle school’s main exit. In addition to safety concerns, it was noted that there are continually flashing beacons and rumble strips proposed, which are seen to potentially negatively impact adjacent property owners. It was noted that Town Engineer Mr. Tony Iadarola is considering plans for the crosswalk and more would be discussed at the September Zoning meeting.

The next regular New Fairfield Zoning Commission meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, September 4, 7:30 p.m.