‘Save Fairfield Hills’ Group Wants To Present Its Own Vision

By Steve Bigham

Members of the citizens organization “Save Fairfield Hills for Newtown” showed up at Wednesday’s joint meeting of the Board of Selectmen and Legislative Council to request the opportunity to present their own plan for the redevelopment of Fairfield Hills.

This week’s joint meeting was called to hear the recommendations of the Fairfield Hills advisory committee, which presented a plan for the re-use of Fairfield Hills when and if the town decides to purchase it (see related story). Prior to the meeting, “Save Fairfield Hills for Newtown” presented its request in writing to Council Chairman Pierre Rochman.

“Save Fairfield Hills for Newtown” was first created nearly a year ago in an effort to convince the town officials that Newtown should purchase the former state mental health hospital from the state. The selectmen-appointed advisory committee has since recommended purchase of the property. However, its recommendation calls for significant commercial development of the campus, something Save Fairfield Hills for Newtown has opposed all along.

“Our vision for Fairfield Hills extends far into the 21st Century,” Save Fairfield Hills wrote. “This unique property located in the heart of our town should be preserved for the pleasure and enjoyment of future generations. Our plan will show how ownership of Fairfield Hills will provide the space to satisfy the inevitable need for schools, town offices, and recreation, but with a limited economic development plan.”

The letter was signed by Save Fairfield Hills for Newtown leaders Mary Ann Curie, William Colbert, Frank Cooper, Brian Gibney, Ruby Johnson, Margo Lopez-Cepero, Mary Maki, Peggy Meek, Anna Weidemann, Deborah Wilkes, and Andrew Willie.

Two months ago, “Save Fairfield Hills for Newtown” released the results of its two-week poll on Fairfield Hills. According to members, the poll indicated that many residents believe Fairfield Hills should be used for recreation and open space, as well as town offices. The least desirable use is economic development, they said.

Ruby Johnson, a leader in the “Save Fairfield Hills for Newtown” movement, recently resigned from the Fairfield Hills advisory committee, saying she disagreed with the panel’s “corporate park” vision. She and members of her group envision a Fairfield Hills that solves the town’s building and land needs first.