Fairfield HDC discusses public outreach, guidelines and a state grant to update the historic resources inventory

At its April 9 meeting, the Fairfield Historic District Commission discussed plans to present updated HDC guidelines to the public and to pursue a state grant to update the town’s historic resources inventory.

One commissioner proposed a short, user‑friendly program to explain what the HDC does, how to apply for approvals, frequently asked questions and the benefits of pre‑application review. Commissioners debated venues and outreach methods and suggested targeting realtors, architects, landscapers and district representatives. Options discussed included the Bequest library, the local history museum and a town newsletter notice; commissioners aimed to hold the event before June and to keep it to about an hour.

Commissioners also reviewed the prospect of applying for a State Historic Preservation Office grant to fund a Historic Resource Inventory (HRI) update. A commissioner said the grant can provide “up to $30,000” to hire a consultant to prepare a roughly 20–25 page context statement and survey covering as many as 150 properties. The commission discussed timing and sign‑offs required by town staff and the state review board, and agreed to prepare materials with a target of submitting in time for a July 1 application window.

The commission characterized the outreach effort as intended to make the HDC more approachable — highlighting pre‑application assistance — and noted potential coordination with planning and zoning and the town’s mailing lists to reach property owners. Members agreed to review dates and possible agendas and to report back at the next meeting.