Land Acquisition Commission approves Phase I environmental review for 80 Congress Street

The Fairfield Land Acquisition Commission voted July 14, 2026 to authorize a Phase I environmental site assessment for a potential acquisition at 80 Congress Street and to sign the authorization to the consultant firm Partner.

Chair Robert Logan said the appraisal in the packet showed an indicated value of $100,000 and that the firm Partner quoted $2,600 for the Phase I report. "The quote for the phase 1 for the property is, $2,600 for the report," he said during the meeting. The motion to approve the cost was made from the dais, seconded and approved by voice vote.

Staff cautioned commissioners that the site includes an electric substation that could raise environmental concerns. "Phase 1 is just a kind of a paperwork desktop," staff said, describing the work as a records and visual assessment; if the report identifies a recognized environmental condition staff said it would recommend a Phase II involving soil, groundwater or soil‑gas sampling. The consultant will use the Phase I findings either as negotiating leverage on price or to document buyer protections under federal law if the town proceeds with purchase.

The commission was told the Phase I has a 15‑business‑day turnaround and that results should be available before the next commission meeting. Staff also said the Phase I cost will be paid from the department operating budget and that staff will sign the authorization and forward it to Partner to begin work.

Next steps: the commission will review the Phase I findings when completed and decide whether to pursue a Phase II or to use the report in acquisition negotiations.