Town of Fairfield Applauds Siting Council Vote to Reject United Illuminating’s Monopole Plan

The members of the Connecticut Siting Council once again took up United Illuminating’s application in Docket 516R and in a vote of six to one, approved a written opinion denying the application. The Siting Council’s vote today reaffirms its earlier decision denying UI’s application and concludes the latest chapter in a lengthy review process concerning the utility company’s proposed monopole project along the southern route of the Metro-North Railroad tracks.

“We appreciate the Connecticut Siting Council’s thorough review and its decision to deny UI’s application in Docket 516R. Throughout this process, our community has consistently expressed strong concerns, and we are grateful that the voices of residents, local leaders, religious institutions, businesses and preservationists were heard,” said First Selectperson Christine Vitale. “We remain committed to protecting our neighborhoods, small businesses, environment, and quality of life while continuing to work collaboratively with state partners and United Illuminating on responsible, community-centered solutions.”

The Siting Council’s decision recognizes that UI’s proposed project was not appropriate for the communities of Fairfield and Bridgeport and demonstrates the need for serious reconsideration of alternatives that would not cause lasting harm to sensitive neighborhoods. Our focus now turns to working together on alternative solutions that meet the region’s needs for reliable energy transmission without sacrificing the economic well-being and cultural treasures of our municipalities.

The Town of Fairfield remains steadfast in its commitment to fight for the protection of all of its residents, businesses and places of worship; and is determined to continue advocating for UI to meaningfully examine underground alternatives, including by providing the true costs of burying the transmission lines, rather than building overhead lines that will destroy the precious resources of the Town.

Serious Crash Near Sacred Heart University

2023-09-28@12:00AM–#Fairfield CT–Right around midnight, the crash on Jefferson Street near Park Avenue occurred.  Radio reports said there were a number of ejections and people trapped in the two cars.  Bridgeport Fire Department also responded to the same crash and pitched in to assist with the rescue. I don’t have any information of any involved nor do I know if they are students. I know Fairfield Fire and Police will have a full report in the morning.

Fairfield News: Possible Changes To Noise Ordanances

The residents of Fairfield may face restrictions on lawn maintenance and other noisy activities on weekends and weekdays, following proposed changes to the town’s noise ordinance. The changes include the “plainly audible standard” instead of the need to measure decibels, and set times for certain activities. The new ordinance aims to give authorities more leeway to punish people causing a disturbance.

The Plainly Audible Standard

The proposed noise ordinance replaces the decibel measurement with the “plainly audible standard.” This means that if a police officer can easily hear music through a speaker, they can take enforcement action. The standard mainly covers music and sound amplification devices.

Set Times for Certain Activities

The changes to the noise ordinance also include set times for certain activities. Lawn and home maintenance, music, power tools, and horn blaring are restricted until 8 p.m. on weekdays and 6 p.m. on weekends. Previously, the ordinance listed only daytime and nighttime as restrictions.

Reasons for the Changes

The proposed changes to the noise ordinance are a result of an increase in residents’ noise complaints, especially in the beach area and the neighborhood around Burr Homestead. The town-owned building hosts events that have spurred complaints from nearby residents about loud music. One resident even joked that she knew an event was about to end when she heard “Shout” by the Isley Brothers playing from the speakers there a block away.

Limitations of the Police Department

The police department is limited in its ability to enforce the noise ordinance because it has only one sound meter. Officers often opt to use state statutes when issuing violations, calling the current ordinance onerous.

Controversial Changes

The addition of set times during the daytime when residents can create certain types and levels of noise caused some contention in the discussion. Republicans opposed the 6 p.m. cutoff on weekends for landscaping-related sound, stating that people should not be restricted in the use of their property. They were concerned the proposed ordinance could infringe on people’s freedoms.

Support for the Changes

Democrats spoke in support of the changes, including Michelle Lapine McCabe from District 4, who said the proposal has relatively modest changes to what is already on the books, adding she does not see them as overly dramatic. She said extending it to daylight hours makes sense given there are more people working from home now. Dru Mercer Georgiadis, a member from the District 9 who lives in the beach area, said people need to know the rules so they can respect them.

Conclusion

The proposed changes to the noise ordinance are a result of an increase in noise complaints from residents. While some people believe the new restrictions are an infringement on their freedoms, others support the changes and say they are necessary to maintain consistency and reduce disturbances.

Fairfield News: 3 Pedestrians Struck In 2 Incidents

2023-01-30@7:40pm–#Fairfield CT– A pedestrian was struck in the 2000 block of Post Road around 6:30pm and 2 pedestrians were struck in the 4000 block of Park Avenue both suffering head injuries according to radio reports. The photo is from the Park Avenue incident.

Fairfield Health Department Conducts FREE Screenings for Residents to Know Their Numbers


FAIRFIELD, Connecticut (January 30, 2023) – You may have heard that you need to “know your
numbers,” which refers to key markers of heart health like blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar,
body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference. Although doctors test most of these numbers at
annual check-ups, it’s important that you know your numbers and understand what they mean. By
keeping those numbers within a healthy range, you can greatly improve your heart health and reduce
your risk for heart disease.
February is Heart Health month and the Fairfield Health Department is celebrating by urging all
residents to make sure they know their numbers. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the
United States for both men and woman, and it is preventable. The Fairfield Health Department staff will
provide you with resources and information to help you take the steps to reduce your risk.
The Fairfield Health Department will be hosting three FREE “Know Your Numbers” testing and
informational screenings. The dates, times, and locations are below.
Wednesday, February, 1 st 2023 – 10AM – 1PM at the Public Health Nursing Office
Wednesday, February, 8 th 2023 – 10AM – 1PM at the Public Health Nursing Office
Wednesday, February, 15 th 2023 – 10AM – 1PM at the Public Health Nursing Office
During these times, a Public Health Nurse will conduct a simple blood test to determine an individual’s
A1c, blood pressure and body weight. The tests should only take about 10 minutes.
Registration is required for these screenings. Screening is for adults only ages 18 years and older.
For more information or to make an appointment please contact Santina Jaronko, Assistant Director of
Health for Community, at 203-256-3150 or sjaronko@fairfieldct.org.

This press release was made possible by:

Propane leak in Fairfield

4:38pm–#Fairfield CT–Firefighters are on the scene at 80 Longfellow Avenue for a large leaking propane tank.  Neighbors said they smelled gas on and off all weekend.  A representative from Southern Connecticut Gas traced the odor to the tanks.  Thanks to Carol for letting me on her porch to take the photos!

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