Fairfield planning team identifies 10 properties for potential affordable housing projects

The Affordable Housing Committee of the Town Council of Fairfield, Connecticut, convened on December 18, 2024, to discuss the potential for developing affordable housing on town-owned properties. The meeting focused on a detailed analysis of available land, utilizing Geographic Information System (GIS) data to identify suitable parcels for future projects.

The committee's primary goal was to assess the viability of various town-owned properties for affordable housing development. A thorough review revealed that many properties had issues such as lack of access, irregular shapes, or environmental constraints like wetlands and flood zones. The committee identified 324 town-owned parcels, narrowing this down through a process of elimination to 73 potentially vacant lots. However, further scrutiny indicated that only seven of these parcels met the criteria for development, with most being too small or encumbered by zoning restrictions.

Key considerations in the analysis included the size and configuration of the lots, their proximity to flood zones, and existing structures. The committee also discussed the importance of adjacent properties, as they could influence the feasibility of new developments. Notably, some properties were found to be landlocked, complicating access for potential development.

During the meeting, the committee presented a "top ten" list of properties that could be considered for affordable housing projects. This list included a mix of town-owned and state-owned parcels, with varying degrees of potential for development. Among the highlighted properties were those near existing infrastructure, such as the commuter parking lot on Jefferson Street and the former DuPont site, which is centrally located but currently underutilized.

The committee emphasized the need for community input and further investigation into the identified properties. They plan to distribute a detailed report, including an appendix of all properties reviewed, to gather feedback from council members and the public.

In conclusion, while the analysis revealed limited options for immediate affordable housing development, the committee remains committed to exploring all possibilities. They aim to refine their approach and engage with the community to address Fairfield's housing needs effectively.