By Sarah Opdahl
At a Zoning Commission special meeting on Tuesday, January 16, members learned of initial plans for 24-units of senior housing in New Fairfield. The senior housing is especially appealing to Commission members given that the plans would potentially fit needs for high-quality affordable housing. Christian DaCunha of Rock Harbor Builders (Sherman CT) is a co-owner of the property, which sits on the corner of Saw Mill Road and Route 37. He explained that many options were cycled through before landing at senior housing. A storied piece of property, it used to house the October House, a beloved property in Town, which stood on the land for over two-hundred years.
The property is zoned for four single-family lots at this point and would need to go through a long process with Town boards before any building would commence. The builders are considering either small apartment-style buildings or condo-style units, “but the main intent is to make it feel like a village type of setting,” DaCunha said. He went on to point out the win-win, “We understand this as the gateway from Danbury coming into town, and we want it to be a benefit to the town and which only helps us on the marketing side of things.” The builders picture maximizing the property but also keeping it aesthetically pleasing. It was suggested that there could be amenities offered, such as a pickleball court, bocci, and more.
Commission members are looking forward to seeing proposed site plans and architectural drawings.
After a rocky first meeting with the Miller Group in December, the Zoning Commission is looking to replace the consultants who will help them rewrite their regulations. With the contract terminated, the Town will once again go out to bid, in a search for the appropriate consultant.