Fairfield historic panel approves in-ground pool at 776 Peacord Avenue with screening, bluestone stipulations

The Fairfield Historic District Commission approved an application July 9 to install an in-ground 8-by-10-foot concrete swimming pool and spa with an automatic safety cover at 776 Peacord Avenue in Southport.

The commission’s chair, Rosina Negron, closed the public hearing and read the approval: “The motion that was presented by Darren, seconded by Jim, is approved — an in-ground 8 by 10 concrete swimming pool plus spa with automatic safety cover with the stipulation that the pool mechanicals are screened in perpetuity and the pool has Bluestone coping,” she said. The commission adopted the stipulations as part of its approval.

Applicant Sean Dweck described the project to the commission, saying the pool would sit in the rear yard and would not add a new patio. “We’re not putting any extra patio, just literally the pool and then behind the pool, some grasses and things, by the house,” the applicant said, describing plans to match the coping to existing stone and to plant screening around equipment.

During the presentation the applicant walked commissioners through photos taken from the public sidewalk and site plans to show existing evergreen trees and bamboo that, the applicant said, shield the yard from street view. The applicant also told the commission that wetlands approval for the work had already been obtained and that landscaping and planting would be installed as required.

Commissioners asked technical questions about visibility, the location of equipment, and the removal of two existing stonewalls; the applicant confirmed the stonewalls would be removed as part of the work, that a wooden fence would be realigned and replaced, and that pool equipment would be sited toward the rear of the property and screened.

A commissioner moved to approve the application and later amended the motion to include an explicit requirement that pool mechanicals be screened in perpetuity and that bluestone coping be used to match the existing patio. The motion was presented by Darren Raymond Locke and seconded by Jim Akhondo; the chair announced the motion passed by voice vote and the hearing was closed. The commission then adjourned.

The approval allows the applicant to proceed subject to the commission’s conditions; the record does not include a roll-call tally. Additional permits (building, electrical, and confirmed wetlands documentation) and inspections will be required under town and state rules prior to construction.