Planned 4-Story Fairfield Apartment Complex May See Design Change

FAIRFIELD, CT — A Fairfield affordable apartment complex was approved in September, but is once again a topic of discussion for zoning officials due to proposed changes to the structure.

The Town Plan and Zoning Commission recently reviewed the revised plans for the four-story building at 528 Black Rock Turnpike. The body is expected Tuesday to further discuss developer Alfonso Cammarota’s proposal to swap the gabled roof that was originally presented in exchange for a flat rooftop with amenity space.

“It doesn’t change the footprints,” commissioner Thomas Noonan said at a meeting April 13. “If anything it reduces the size, which is generally a good thing, adds some more amenities to the residence.”

The complex will be just over 63 feet tall where the roof begins and will have 23 apartments, most of which will be one-bedroom units. While removing the gabled roof will reduce the height of the structure, Vice Chair Mark Corcoran was concerned the flat roof would make the complex appear larger and more like an office or industrial building.

“It’s very nice for the tenants,” Secretary Meg Francis said of the planned rooftop sitting area and outdoor fireplace. “I’m not sure it’s so nice for the neighbors.”

The structure will be in a transitional area, near Interstate 95, and residential and office properties.

“You have transition creep,” commissioner Kathryn Braun said. “Before you know it we don’t have a residential area anymore.”

The roof adjustment does not constitute a change to the approved site plan, Planning Director Jim Wendt told the commission, clarifying the body’s charge was to determine whether a new application would be required for the revision.

The complex was originally approved under state law Section 8-30g, which dictates the only way officials could have denied the development was by proving it posed a threat to public health, safety or "other matters which the commission may legally consider" that outweigh the need for affordable housing. Section 8-30g applies to towns where less than 10 percent of housing stock meets state criteria to be recognized as affordable. Seven of the development’s 23 apartments will qualify as affordable housing.

The building will cover about 80 percent of the lot, which is just under 12,000 square feet.

The commission tabled the matter until Tuesday and requested Cammarota add window treatments, shutters and shingles to the complex in order to create a more residential appearance, and that he create internal controls to minimize noise pollution.