By Sarah Opdahl

On Thursday, July 27, New Fairfield’s Board of Selectmen (BOS) entertained feedback on a newly proposed ordinance regarding sex offenders and restriction to “Child Safety Zones” in town. The idea of an ordinance originated with the Danbury court system, was supported by the New Fairfield Police Department, and was adopted by the BOS, who have become proponents of it. Following any revisions, a vote on the ordinance will take place at a future Town meeting.

First Selectman Ms. Pat Del Monaco explained, “the purpose of the ordinance would be to keep individuals who are on the registered se x offender list essentially out of areas that we defined as Child Safety Zones, so the ordinance is really very straightforward.” She went on to say, “The town of New Fairfield has a compelling interest in protecting children from the threat of sexual abuse from child sex offenders.” Del Monaco pointed out, following the Town attorney’s direction, the word “child” will be removed from the ordinance preceding sex offender, which broadens the scope of restricted users. In addition to all school and school-related properties, fields, and Town parks, registered sex offenders will not be allowed to enter the Town library.

The Town’s Housing Opportunities Committee’s Chair Ms. Anita Brown walked the BOS through the status of the Affordable Housing Plan, thereby fulfilling “our obligation of an annual report and, along with that, we just want to bring you up to date on a few other aspects of what we’re working on.” The seven-member group completed a lengthy survey phase and is in the process of working to inform, and gather feedback from, the community. Brown acknowledged that there are, “primarily single-family homes here in New Fairfield, but we do recognize that young people, seniors, firemen, teachers, and others who serve and work in New Fairfield are very constrained when it comes to affordable housing.”

Their recent survey showed that well over 40% of those who responded indicated a great need for more affordable options. Based on income, data shows that a quarte r of New Fairfield’s households would be eligible for affordable housing.  With the average home priced in the high 400s and starter homes priced in the mid-200s, Brown pointed out, in this market, “it would probably be out of reach for many people who actually live in New Fairfield” to buy a home here now. She went on to say, “most smaller towns have a realistic goal of around 20 new affordable housing opportunities over a period of five years and that can include renovated buildings.” The Committee is now drafting a housing plan and i s working to “raise people’s awareness about what we’re about. So that we can get as much feedback as possible.”

In other business, the BOS approved an update to granting service awards following disability for volunteer firefighters. Del Monaco explained, “in the event that any participant becomes disabled and in the event that the disability prevents the participant from pursuing his normal occupation and if the disability is total and of a permanent nature as certified by the Workers Compensation Board or other competent authority as approved by the sponsor, the participant is entitled to receive the service award credited to him under the program as of the date of such disability.”

Board members were happy to approve the requests for American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) small business grants for Cabin Critters, Brodster’s Roadsters, and Candlewood Dental Care, Inc. They were also happy to broaden the acceptance for ARPA funds to appropriate non-profits. The first two acceptances – Great Hollow and Candlewood Fishing Camp – will receive the $5,000 grants.

The next regular Board of Selectmen meeting is scheduled for Thursday, August 10, 7:30 p.m.