Board pushes back on sand-fence ban, hears marshland concern and announces July training visit

Board members reported they and neighborhood residents had submitted letters opposing a planning and zoning proposal that would effectively ban temporary sand fences on the beach. Members said the town’s planning and zoning representatives appeared receptive and that the board does not expect strict enforcement of a sand-fence ban because the fences are temporary and intended to help accrete sand.

In other business Joe Vergera's concerns about a new hotel near the Circle and possible marshland encroachment were raised; board members asked Becky Bunnel to resend a two-paragraph review of the drawings and to follow up with staff (Jill) to clarify whether the development encroaches on regulated marshland.

Becky also announced that the Connecticut Association of Floodplain Managers will use Fairfield’s Pine Creek tide-gate replacement as a July 16 case study; the event includes continuing-credit presentations at the fire training center and a site visit to the tide gate.

The meeting closed with a procedural request that board communications avoid unexplained acronyms to improve clarity.