Commission to explore owner interest in Black Rock Turnpike parcel after residents raise environmental and traffic concerns

Fairfield’s Land Acquisition Commission spent a substantial portion of its July 14 meeting discussing an undeveloped parcel identified as 24480 Black Rock (referred to in the packet with permits for a large multifamily development). The commission heard mixed appraisals and public concern before directing staff to investigate price and owner interest.

Staff described the site as roughly 4 to 4.7 acres with wetland permits still valid and steep slopes; planning material in the packet noted permitted work would require significant regrading and removal of more than 50,000 cubic yards of material. Commissioners pointed out widely different valuations in the record — the packet included a town appraisal figure of $2,979,000 that factored in permits, while online estimates and other comparables suggested much lower lot values.

Bruce McDonald, a resident who lives across the street, urged the commission to preserve the parcel and warned of permitting and environmental risks. "I think it's 3,000 truckloads of dirt and taking every tree out," McDonald said, citing inland‑wetlands agency concerns and asking whether the commission could explore purchase options.

Commissioners acknowledged the parcel’s conservation value (steep slopes, wetlands, a watercourse) but noted limited public access and real barriers to conversion into a passive‑recreation site. They also reviewed the commission’s constrained funding — the open‑space account balance is $54,000 — and discussed grant options (state grants that could cover a portion of appraised value), bond possibilities, and partnerships with groups such as the Aspatic Land Trust and neighboring Weston.

After discussion the commission approved a motion to have conservation staff obtain an actual price estimate and contact the owner to open a dialogue about selling or donating the Fairfield portion. The motion included a recommendation that staff avoid paying for a formal appraisal until owner interest is confirmed; commissioners asked staff to return with findings at the October meeting.

Next steps: staff will try to determine an owner price and report back to the commission in October; the commission also discussed potential partner funding and grant routes if the owner expresses willingness to sell.