Demolition Awaits Fairfield House To Make Room For Baseball Diamond

By Kendra Bobowick

By June residents might find one less building at Fairfield Hills.

In fact, this week saw further discussion regarding the demolition of Fairfield House, which now sits on the intended site of a future 90-foot baseball field that will alleviate some Parks and Recreation needs. Bids are out for the work, Fairfield Hills Authority Chairman Robert Geckle said. During an authority meeting this week, Project Manager David Cravanzola with O&G Industries, Inc, said bids for the work would be coming in on Monday, May 21, by 10 am. Roughly 24 people had attended a pre-bid meeting, and left a good impression on Mr Cravanzola.

He told the authority, “Judging by who was there, we feel we’ll have adequate coverage for demolition, site work, etc. The bidding packages can be broken up several ways. One bid could be accepted for the Fairfield House demolition and abatement, and another for site work.” Explaining a third option, Mr Cravanzola said, “We are allowing that someone could do all work under one bid.”

Work on the baseball diamond also hinged on the Planning & Zoning Commission members’ approval. Without it, work could be delayed for months, Mr Cravanzola said. The field’s estimated time of use depends on maturity of grass that will be planted there. Grass seed must go in no later than September. The field plans were on the agenda of a P&Z hearing this week. The meeting took place after this newspaper went to press.

Cost estimates for the field are approximately $522,000, and demolition is roughly $300,000.

Overall plans to redevelop the campus include relocating municipal and school board offices, leasing property to commercial developers, and making room for town uses including the baseball field.

Recreational Trails

Work on recreational trails that will eventually circle the campus’s perimeter is being planned in stages. The first phase of trails covers ground already partially paved and leading to water bunkers. The town already has plans to resurface the area.

Authority member John Reed noted Tuesday that, “The [resurfacing] is going to be done whether we have a trail or not.” Considering the future resurfacing, he said, “There are people who have to think about handicapped access.”

During this week’s authority meeting, resident Ruby Johnson questioned the trail work.

After member Moira Rodgers prompted Ms Johnson to clarify her inquiry, Ms Johnson said, “Why do we have money under bonds for trails? Do you think that is important when there are other things to be done, like demolition?”

Mr Reed said, “[Phase I of trail work] is $40,000, that’s not something we could use for demolition.”

Authority Chairman Robert Geckle answered, “We wouldn’t recommend money for trails if we didn’t think it was important. We feel as an authority that the trail perfectly fits the needs.” Specified uses for the Fairfield Hills campus include passive recreation.

Concerned about vehicles sharing space with foot traffic, Ms Johnson asked, “It’s also a road. Can trucks use it?” Ms Johnson is concerned specifically with a portion of the proposed trail that traces an access route that will be used sporadically by town trucks to reach a water bunker.

Extending an explanation, but revealing his frustration, Mr Geckle replied, “We have been down this path so many times it’s not funny. Trucks go up to the water bunkers and they need a way to get there period. It’s a service area for the bunkers.”

In a later interview, authority member John Reed said, “That portion [of the trail] will be resurfaced for the importance of getting trucks through, and we’re piggy-backing as the first phase of our trail.”

Would the trail expenses detract from other projects?

“The costs are negligible,” Mr Reed explained. Offering reassurance, he explained that the project “won’t have the town spending resources that will be an offset to other projects. Recent estimates show that Phase I of trail work is an estimated $42,000, and Mr Reed hopes to receive roughly $50,000 in matching grant funds. You have to show spending,” he said, adding, “I think it will be a popular activity in town.”

Mr Reed believes that the trails will become a favorite destination for residents, many of whom are already enjoying the campus for recreation.

“When you see what people are using Fairfield Hills for — walking is a great recreation — it fits what people are talking about,” he said. He noted that throughout the country, recreational trails and exercise stations off those trails are gaining attention.

Ironing out some discrepancies, member Moira Rodgers offered stern words of advice to Ms Johnson, who had initially indicated that she was asking the authority questions on behalf of others who were not at the meeting.

“Are you personally asking the question?” Ms Rodgers asked Ms Johnson. She continued, “My concern is that if these people are truly concerned about answers they should be at the meeting so they have information directly. I have a problem with information going from one person to another to another.”

Clearly sending a message to those for whom Ms Johnson spoke, Ms Rodgers said, “I would rather that you encourage them to come rather than being a conduit. Say that you are not the appropriate person and they should ask town leaders.”