High-Tech Tenants For Fairfield Hills?

First Selectman Herb Rosenthal this week reiterated his support for commercial development at Fairfield Hills to offset costs to the town should it opt to buy the 185-acre campus from the state.

His position was solidified recently when a Fairfield County commercial developer with the Internet industry in mind expressed interest in the area. The man, Arthur Collins of Collins Enterprises of Greenwich, believes Fairfield Hills could generate lots of money from software companies, which now make up the fastest growing segment of the Connecticut economy.

 By going this route, according to Mr Collins, the town might be able to attract several small Internet companies rather than one or two large corporate entities that would require long-term leases. According to Mr Collins, Fairfield Hill’s proximity to Interstate 84 and the charm of the campus make it very attractive to these Internet companies.

Also, Mr Collins said, the current look of Fairfield Hills would be preserved since its neo-colonial buildings might be an ideal setting for these futuristic businesses.

Mr Rosenthal noted the biggest revenue would come from the personal property located in these offices. These businesses use high-tech equipment that would bring in revenue beyond the estimated figures of the Fairfield Hills advisory committee.

Mr Rosenthal believes several smaller businesses at Fairfield Hills might be more in harmony with town uses there.

Mr Collins has apparently been interested in Fairfield Hills for some time, having contacted state officials this past fall.

The massive buildings at Fairfield Hills contain approximately 1.2 million square feet of space.