Housing. Is it a dirty word or a great idea for future development at Fairfield Hills?

A point of discussion for more than a decade as planners have considered what types of development should take place at the former state hospital campus, more ideas for housing, retail, office space, and a medical facility were part of a conversation Tuesday evening, January 22. The Fairfield Hills Master Plan Review Committee, a group that convenes every five years to reassess the Master Plan for Fairfield Hills redevelopment, welcomed public input for current potential uses for recreation and town services at Fairfield Hills, and also commercial, mixed-use (housing over commercial), and housing.

Several members of the public attended to either listen or join the conversation.

Regarding recreational uses and town services, committee Chairman Deborra Zukowski read a letter she had received from resident Melinda Reynolds, who said she supports open space, walking trails, horse trails, recreational sports, gardens, and a land bank for future municipal needs. 

Ms Zukowski’s request for thoughts about a possible bus route or transportation hub at Fairfield Hills prompted much conversation.

Could a bus loop run from the flagpole through Fairfield Hills, into Sandy Hook and back? Could a bus stop be located in Fairfield Hills? Responding to these ideas was Deputy Director of Economic and Community Development Christal Preszler, who said funding “is a bigger issue.”

Ms Zukowski then asked for input about commercial, mixed use, and housing, opening the floor to Ned Simpson, who is now involved with Friends of Newtown Seniors and the age-friendly community effort.

Presenting a brief slideshow, he raised the idea for a mini medical campus at Fairfield Hills. The concept requires approaching regional health systems, and “if they agree to be a partner, then look for a developer,” Mr Simpson said.

Mr Simpson proposed gathering current health care data, then delegating a group to approach health systems.

Ms Preszler said, “It’s a great idea, and medical is an approved use,” for the campus.

Talk turned to land availability, and certain areas where a mini medical building could go.

An architecture student’s work next entered discussion. Ms Zukowski shared an example of mixed use and residential, mentioning the drawings of resident Baxter Hankin. Mr Hankin stated in a Facebook post that he “decided to design this historic New England-style town center between the Saint Rose Church property and Big Y..." He asked for reactions to his drawings of people enjoying outdoor courtyards surrounded by mixed-use buildings.

Sharing his idea, as it might apply to Fairfield Hills, Ms Zukowski said it was a more densely developed area. 

“Density brings vibrancy — a lot of places to walk and sit,” and the housing would bring in people, she commented. 

Resident and Fairfield Hills Authority member Walt Motyka had said that in the past, residents had wanted “No housing. Once you make the variance, you lose control of the site.”

Local developer Phil Clark then recalled his construction company’s failed proposal for a building at Fairfield Hills in past years. His plan was to build a first floor of shops, second floor of offices, and the third floor for apartments. 

The struggle to get his idea approved, starting with the Fairfield Hills Authority, “wasn’t worth the challenge,” Mr Clark said. 

Switching subjects again, members began talking about investors looking for big projects. A volley of thoughts included going to referendum to see if residents want development or a park at Fairfield Hills.

Resident Bryan Atherton mentioned the NYA Sports & Fitness Center, trails, and more making the campus a “destination component.” He also said there is a difference between “people opposed to apartments and people opposed to everything.”

Discussion regarding commercial, mixed use, and housing soon wound down after two hours, of members’ effort to gather public input.