Fairfield HDC raises alarm over several downtown demolition filings, urges mitigation documentation and inventory work

At the July 9 meeting, the Fairfield Historic District Commission reported several demolition filings affecting downtown commercial properties and discussed options for mitigation and inventory work.

Commissioners identified properties slated for demolition (addresses on Encore Road, Somme Court and Sanford Street among others) and noted the buildings could be eligible for the National Register. One commissioner urged the HDC to ask the Connecticut State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) to help prepare mitigation documents. A preservation‑oriented commissioner noted the HDC can document buildings photographically and pursue mitigation, but that the commission’s authority to prevent demolition is limited once a filing is received and the building department has accepted demolition paperwork.

The commission discussed the merits of a townwide historic property inventory and potential changes to local demolition delay authority. Members agreed to request guidance from SHPO about mitigation options and to place a fuller discussion of inventory and possible ordinance changes on a future agenda.