Marjorie Reservoir Trail advisory panel to present BNL preliminary design to Danbury City Council and New Fairfield selectmen, then pause

The Marjorie Reservoir Trail Advisory Committee voted to present Barton/BNL’s preliminary design plan to the Danbury City Council and the New Fairfield Board of Selectmen and suspend further advisory meetings until those governing bodies decide on next steps.

Dave Day, City of Danbury Public Utilities, moved that the committee “conclude its work. Over the course of 15 plus meetings, we have reviewed reports … and identified a preferred trail route. We recommend that the project now be presented at the Danbury City Council and the New Fairfield Board of Selectmen for further action.” Jeff Mayne seconded the motion; after discussion and an amendment specifying the committee would present BNL’s current preliminary design plan, the committee voted to send the materials to the two governing bodies.

The committee’s chair, Holly Robinson, said the submission will include the BNL preliminary design and a narration summarizing the committee’s work and that governing bodies would be asked to determine whether to proceed with permitting and a construction request for proposals. Robinson said those bodies will likely create an ad hoc committee to review the material and that additional public input and technical review would follow if councils move the project forward.

Peter Hearn (New Fairfield) pressed the committee to clarify whether it was issuing a recommendation or simply submitting BNL’s plan. “I’m not sure what we’re recommending. There are no recommendations,” Hearn said, noting the committee’s submission would essentially be BNL’s proposal. Robinson replied the committee would submit BNL’s preliminary design plan and could provide a written resolution after the meeting to state the basis for the submission.

Committee members emphasized unresolved practical issues that remain for the governing bodies, including ensuring ADA compliance once materials and costs are known; protecting Marjorie Reservoir water quality; limiting public access from the trail into the reservoir; identifying construction funding; and securing ongoing funds for annual operations and maintenance. Jeff Mayne said the design work is not finished and demonstrated a sample boardwalk material he believed would be long-lasting.

The committee also noted public engagement to date: a petition that included 154 verified New Fairfield voters, seven property owners and 54 Danbury residents in support, reports that the Lakewood Condominium Association is roughly 84% in favor after design adjustments, and an online survey with over 500 responses. Robinson emphasized the panel’s role is advisory and that all communications received would be part of the record.

As amended and carried, the motion directs the advisory committee to forward the BNL preliminary design plan, accompanying narration and related design materials to the Danbury City Council and the New Fairfield Board of Selectmen for their review and decision on permitting, presentations and whether to issue a construction RFP. The committee then voted to suspend further meetings until it is directed by either governing body. The meeting adjourned shortly after the vote.