EDC hears updates on Black Rock redevelopment, CMDA participation and displaced downtown tenants
March 09, 2026 | Fairfield, Fairfield, Connecticut
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Town staff briefed the Economic Development Commission on March 5 about several development projects, the town’s participation in the Connecticut Municipal Development Authority and continuing efforts to assist downtown tenants facing displacement.
Staff said work is progressing at the former XI Battery site, where a new Porsche dealership has erected steel framing, and at a brownfield redevelopment at 81 Black Rock Turnpike, where remediation on a former foundry site is largely complete and a 70‑unit residential building was reorganized following a consensual foreclosure. Staff said Azac (an equity partner) has reorganized its development team, is producing new concept plans and conducting hotel feasibility work to test market demand. Staff said they are encouraging the developer to seek an informal review with Planning & Zoning before submitting formal permit applications.
On regional support, staff recounted the town’s recent participation in the Connecticut Municipal Development Authority (CMDA). The first select person signed a memorandum of agreement and CMDA reviewed the town’s land‑use code and identified the Fairfield Black Rock station area as meeting statutory criteria for CMDA support (development districts must be within a half‑mile of transit stations or downtown). Staff said participation makes the town eligible for CMDA technical assistance and may qualify school construction projects for a 5% boost under a recently enacted housing bill.
Staff also reported on retail and food‑service tenants displaced from a downtown redevelopment (the 15qua site). A barber shop has found nearby space and one pop‑up retailer is locating elsewhere, but food‑service tenants face greater challenges. Staff explained that the property owner has not yet applied for a demolition permit; if a demo permit is filed the age of the building triggers a mandatory 60‑day hold before demolition could proceed, giving tenants limited additional time to secure new locations.
No formal votes were taken on development approvals at the meeting. Staff said they will continue to coordinate with developers, Planning & Zoning and other agencies and to provide relocation support to displaced tenants where feasible.
Staff said work is progressing at the former XI Battery site, where a new Porsche dealership has erected steel framing, and at a brownfield redevelopment at 81 Black Rock Turnpike, where remediation on a former foundry site is largely complete and a 70‑unit residential building was reorganized following a consensual foreclosure. Staff said Azac (an equity partner) has reorganized its development team, is producing new concept plans and conducting hotel feasibility work to test market demand. Staff said they are encouraging the developer to seek an informal review with Planning & Zoning before submitting formal permit applications.
On regional support, staff recounted the town’s recent participation in the Connecticut Municipal Development Authority (CMDA). The first select person signed a memorandum of agreement and CMDA reviewed the town’s land‑use code and identified the Fairfield Black Rock station area as meeting statutory criteria for CMDA support (development districts must be within a half‑mile of transit stations or downtown). Staff said participation makes the town eligible for CMDA technical assistance and may qualify school construction projects for a 5% boost under a recently enacted housing bill.
Staff also reported on retail and food‑service tenants displaced from a downtown redevelopment (the 15qua site). A barber shop has found nearby space and one pop‑up retailer is locating elsewhere, but food‑service tenants face greater challenges. Staff explained that the property owner has not yet applied for a demolition permit; if a demo permit is filed the age of the building triggers a mandatory 60‑day hold before demolition could proceed, giving tenants limited additional time to secure new locations.
No formal votes were taken on development approvals at the meeting. Staff said they will continue to coordinate with developers, Planning & Zoning and other agencies and to provide relocation support to displaced tenants where feasible.
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