By Sarah Opdahl

At the Wednesday, August 5 New Fairfield Zoning Commission (Zoning) meeting, an 8-30g, affordable housing application for Hoover Place and Coolidge Street was discussed, and a public hearing was approved for Zoning’s September 2 meeting. The applicant, Nejame Development LLC’s Mr. Thomas Nejame was present, as was Civil Engineer Mr. Mike Cole. The proposed project includes 24 two-bedroom individual detached small homes, which may be sold or rented.

Najame made an effort to explain what his intentions are with the development, saying “I want to design them like small capes, very cute-style capes throughout the whole project. So, that is the intent.” He went on, “I wanted to do something that was cute and practical…different individual homes, where people would have a yard around them…the density is a little bit tighter here. But that is the only way you are going to get stuff that is affordable.” Also owner of Nejame & Sons pool company, he said, “our name is on the project, and I want it to be a classy environment for young families coming up into life. I mean, so many people, many of my employees, cannot find places to rent.”

Right now the project is under review by the State, Zoning, the Health Department, and the Fire Marshall as it wends through the approvals process. They have already received approval from Inlands/Wetlands. Of interest for the Zoning members were the two wells that will supply the community’s water and the narrowness of the roads in the area. Cole gave a detailed description of the water calculation that supports the case for the wells and water usage. He said, “I calculated the average yield on the wells to be 20 gallons a minute, which is more than enough for two wells to service the 24 two-bedroom homes, and they are all on septic, so all that water is going back into the ground.” There were also questions about the traffic patterns that will be impacted going in and out of Middletown Road; it was learned that a traffic report was submitted.

Overall, it is proposed that  the project  be constructed in two phases. First, the wells and all infrastructure up to a stream crossing would be completed. Then, the stream crossing would be completed and all remaining work.

Also moving to a public hearing on September 2 is an application from Aquarian to construct a new PFAS treatment building at their site at 1 Ball Pond Road.

There was an application brought forward for parking and drainage to clean up an old marina by the Candlewood Isle causeway. The application was tabled as Town Engineer Mr. Tony Iadarola needs to review it and the location. Also tabled was an application for an online cottage food business selling chocolates.

Zoning members officially appointed Mr. John Ewing to serve as Zoning Enforcement Officer, following his recent hire by the Town.

The next regular New Fairfield Zoning Commission meeting will be held on Wednesday, September 2, 7:30 p.m.