Fairfield Zoning Commission To Hear 140-Unit Housing Proposal, Sacred Heart Athletic Field Plans

FAIRFIELD, CT — A proposal to build a 140-unit residential development on Thorpe Street, along with plans for athletic field improvements associated with Sacred Heart University and upgrades to a Fairfield Beach sewer pump station, will be among the items considered by the Fairfield Town Plan and Zoning Commission on Tuesday, Oct. 13.

The commission is scheduled to meet at 6:30 p.m. at the Fairfield Regional Fire School, 205 Richard White Way. The meeting will be held in a hybrid format, with the public able to attend in person or participate through Zoom.

Click here to view the agenda. Meeting documents and supporting application materials are available through the town's agenda backup portal at https://filecloud.town.fairfield.ct.us/url/tpzagendabackup.

140-Unit Housing Development Proposed For Thorpe Street

One of the largest proposals on the agenda involves a special permit and coastal site plan application for a 140-unit multifamily residential development at 185 Thorpe St.

Attorney John Fallon, representing Scinto Thorpe LLC, is seeking approval to construct two three-story residential buildings over one level of parking. The proposal includes 277 parking spaces, a coastal access path and associated site improvements.

The property is located in a Designed Residence District.

The commission also will hold a public hearing on a related zoning regulation amendment requested by Scinto Thorpe LLC.

The proposed changes to Section 10.4.C of the zoning regulations would allow multifamily residential development under certain flood protection requirements, eliminate the 250-foot Post Road frontage requirement for qualifying properties within 1,000 feet of the road, and remove the requirement for dry egress when an abutting public right of way is located in a flood area.

Sacred Heart University Seeks Athletic Field Improvements

The commission also is scheduled to consider two applications associated with Sacred Heart University.

The first seeks to amend Section 25 of the town's zoning regulations concerning pole lighting for athletic fields.

A separate special exception application, submitted by attorney Chris Russo on behalf of the university, proposes replacing athletic fields at 220 Jefferson St. and 5401 Park Ave. with an outdoor track and turf athletic field.

The project, involving Notre Dame High School, also calls for additional on-site parking, a new press box and bleachers for the existing Park Avenue field.

The properties are located in a Residence R-3 zone.

Fairfield Beach Sewer Pump Station Upgrades

The Town of Fairfield is seeking a special exception and coastal site plan approval to upgrade an existing sewer pump station at 1610 Fairfield Beach Road.

The proposed improvements include below-grade work and construction of an elevated structure designed to comply with Federal Emergency Management Agency standards.

The property is located in the Beach District.

Other Zoning Applications

The commission's public hearing agenda also includes a request to change the zoning designation of a residential property at 164 Taintor Drive. The agenda includes a request to postpone consideration of the zoning change until Oct. 27.

Under the proposal, Attorney Brian LeClerc, representing David and Erica Becker, is seeking to rezone the parcel, which currently falls within three zoning districts — Designed Commercial District, Residential A and Residence R-3 — to Residential A only.

During its administrative session, the commission also is scheduled to revisit two applications under old business.

At 312 Rolling Hills Drive, Elizabeth and Peter Barile are seeking a special exception to conduct filling and regrading exceeding 250 cubic yards in connection with installation of a swimming pool and concrete patio at a single-family residence.

At 418 Meadow St., attorney Sara Sharp, representing Keller Coastal Property Holdings LLC, is seeking a special exception to convert 5,676 square feet of an existing commercial building into an auto repair facility. The application proposes no exterior building or site plan changes.

The commission also is scheduled to review minutes from its Oct. 6 meeting.

How To Attend Or Comment

Members of the public may participate through Zoom at https://zoom.us/j/7250682403 using passcode 123.

Telephone access is available by calling 646-931-3860 and entering meeting ID 725 068 2403 and passcode 123.

According to the agenda, public comment will be permitted during the public hearing portion of the meeting when called for by the commission chairman. Those joining by telephone to listen will not be heard by commission members.

Residents are encouraged to submit comments before the meeting by emailing tpzcommission@fairfieldct.org.