Neighbors and commission press for solution on storage container at Southport train station

The Fairfield Historic District Commission discussed ongoing concerns about a storage container placed at the Southport train station that neighbors and the commission say is visually inconsistent with the historic district.

Commissioner Rosina Negron summarized recent outreach: the HDC staff contacted the restaurant (Pashi), the Parking Authority of Fairfield and state officials because the parcel involves state Department of Transportation property managed by local entities. Parking Authority director Eileen Flora told staff she and others were exploring options and requested the commission share potential solutions; staff said the authority will make the final decision with state approval.

Christine Ford, representing local stakeholders, told the commission she had spoken with Pashi and the Parking Authority and said the commission’s preference is removal because the metal container is a long-term visual intrusion. She said the container has been in place for more than a year and a half and that neighbors worry a temporary storage arrangement could set a precedent. The commission emphasized it cannot issue a violation until it identifies the responsible party (owner/operator) because the site involves DOT property and local parking authority management.

Commissioners asked staff to continue coordinating among the Parking Authority, the restaurant and state officials. The commission said it would review any proposed alternatives but prefers removal or an acceptable mitigation that respects the train station’s historic setting.