By Sarah Opdahl

At the Wednesday, January 7 New Fairfield Zoning Commission (Zoning) meeting, members met with New Fairfield’s Permanent Building Committee (PBC) for a preliminary discussion regarding the future bus lot at 302 Ball Pond Road. A hotly contested topic for many years, including a legal battle, the conversation gave the two Town bodies a chance to come to an understanding about plans for the location before official paperwork is submitted. In the end, PBC Chair Mr. Don Kellogg summarized the plan for submission, which features “a two-way at the north side, entry and exit, and at the south, we want an exit only…I think that is a terrific idea. I think it alleviates the pressure on the neighbors across the street early in the morning.”

Given the significant recent change in Zoning membership, Kellogg walked members  through the original and revised plans for the site, highlighting the reasoning behind the changes that were incorporated. He put a stake in the ground regarding the location, saying that the lot fits as it is part of the “municipal corridor, there is a fueling station literally within 200 feet of it, there’s the fire department, there’s the police station, our cell tower…This is where we get stuff done.”

In reviewing the plans, Kellogg noted that the current design leans on advice that came out of a feasibility study conducted by consultant Mr. Ben Doto last year. He explained, “in the spirit of the Doto feasibility plan, the driveway is a two-way driveway to the south… the driveway was pushed toward the parking lot…that is the primary entrance and egress. There was an added entrance on the north side, just for emergencies, it would not be primary. There would just be a lock gate, just in case something happened on the south side.” He went on to explain that they have made enhancements, “where we thought we could try to save as much space as possible by shifting that driveway to the east. It is a 28-foot-wide drive.” Kellogg explained that some earthwork is needed to support the site.

It was noted that the designs are to the order of magnitude and will need some work to ready them for going out to bid, following any future approvals from both local and state entities. With all of the above in place, Kellogg anticipates that a groundbreaking would occur in approximately September. Hearing this, new Zoning Vice Chair Mr. Jeff Alviti stressed, “we would like to get this done ASAP so you can move on to your next obstacles.”

When asked about restroom facilities, Kellogg added that there is a plan to add a second bathroom, which is being achieved by eliminating a storage closet and converting it into a lavatory. It was shared that the plan is to upsize the septic, not just for those two lavatories, but for higher capacity, in case the Town decides to build public restrooms in the future.

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