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ZBA approves EV fast-charging station and canopy at 2178 Fairfield Ave with conditions
Summary
The ZBA approved a certificate-of-location and a dimensional variance to allow front-yard canopies and six DC fast chargers at 2178 Fairfield Ave, citing the site's pre-existing nonconforming layout; approval includes conditions on fencing, landscaping, streetscape trees and stormwater coordination.
The Bridgeport Zoning Board of Appeals voted to approve a certificate-of-location and a dimensional variance for an alternative-fueling site at 2178 Fairfield Avenue, allowing canopies over newly configured electric-vehicle (EV) fast-charging stalls and a small amenity building.
Attorney Daniel Glistman, representing Iona LLC, described the project as an adaptive reuse of an existing used-car sales and repair site and asked the board to grant a certificate-of-location for an alternative fueling station and a dimensional variance to permit canopies in the front yard. "We think it's a fantastic adaptive reuse of this existing parcel located at 2178 Fairfield Avenue," he told the board.
Andres, the site development manager for Ayana LLC, said the privately funded project would install six DC fast-charging stations (dual-port) serving 12 parking stalls, including one ADA-compliant stall, and provide a small lobby with restrooms and vending for customers waiting while cars charge. Engineer Dean Apostilis described a 10x10 pad to house transformer and switchgear screened by a seven-foot Trex-style fence and said the canopy would be approximately 13 feet tall.
David Codingham, design review coordinator with OPED, recommended approval in concept and said the reuse aligns with the city’s master plan goals to revitalize existing sites. He noted conditions the board should consider, including streetscape area improvements and street-tree planting along Belmont and Fairfield Avenues and coordination with public works on species selection and utility clearances.
Board members approved the application with conditions: installation of a six-foot opaque Trex-style fence/screening along the boundary with the adjacent multifamily property, required streetscape and street-tree plantings per sections 7.70/7.80, and coordination with engineering and public facilities on stormwater mitigation and final tree species before issuance of site permits. The board also required the applicant to submit the physical mailer documentation previously omitted from the packet at the next meeting.
The approved project will proceed to final permitting subject to the stated conditions and agency coordination.
