Residents press Fairfield commission to restore 'Serenity Path' access; commission invites easement discussion with counsel

A group of Pine Creek Avenue and Old Dam residents told the Fairfield Conservation Commission on Jan. 21, 2026 that a long-used informal route called "Serenity Path" has been blocked and that bridges connecting two neighborhoods were removed after the commission's earlier decision. Residents said the path has existed for decades, appears on Google Maps and has been relied upon by local boaters and neighborhood users.

Mark Egan, speaking for neighborhood residents, said the community had offered to transfer maintenance of the trail to the conservation commission and asked why access points were closed and bridges dismantled. He told the commission the association had attempted to raise the matter and that neighbors were not given adequate notice of the changes.

Commissioners replied that they had voted after receiving advice from staff, town counsel and state officials and that the decision took public-safety and liability concerns into account. The chair said the commission had provided required legal notice and that reopening access without resolving liability or title questions would increase risk to the town.

Despite the disagreement, the commission agreed to schedule an agenda item at next month's meeting for a focused discussion with homeowners about potential easements or donation of property to allow access from Old Dam Road, but asked that homeowners bring counsel, title work and insurance information. The commission clarified it was not "re-litigating" the prior vote but would accept proposals related to easements or donations.

What happens next

Homeowners were invited to return at the next meeting with counsel and documentation if they wish to pursue easement or donation options; the commission will consider the easement/donation proposals but did not indicate it would reverse its prior decision.