Flooding considerations key to Fairfield future

I live in Fairfield’s flood zone. My biggest ally against high rain events such as Tropical Storm Ida is the town Conservation Department. Wetlands are natural flood absorbers and their preservation is conservation’s responsibility. Recently, our first selectwoman convinced town government to cut the department’s staffing budget by 18 percent. She assures us her restructuring efforts allow the department to perform at the same professional level. Please consider that claim through the example of a 2019 wetlands issue.

The Fairfield Housing Corp. applied to build a residential complex at 980 High St.. They earmarked 30 percent of the 40 units for affordable housing to invoke the 8-30g statute and circumvent zoning laws. The neighborhood objected, not least from fears the project would damage on-site wetlands, but the zoning board approved the application due to 8-30g restrictions. The Conservation Department played its vital role here.

The project required a wetlands permit. Department personnel created a 28-page report on which the commission based its rejection. In the legal proceedings that followed, the court viewed the conservation administrator’s expert opinion as neutral, contracted by neither plaintiff nor defendant. The judge ruled that the 8-30g statute does not govern wetlands permitting and stated, “The (conservation) commission was unquestionably faced with a voluminous amount of evidence concerning the drainage system.” Conservation Department staff supplied much of that evidence.

Affordable housing is a pressing concern, but this article asks another question: Will our “streamlined” Conservation Department be as effective when faced with a similar case? I don’t believe so. Annette Jacobson was that conservation administrator. Setting aside the disgraceful timing and execution of her dismissal, the reality is her wealth of experience no longer aids in our defense. Add to that the first selectwoman’s intent to increase real estate development, as evidenced by her numerous advisers and appointees chosen from that field. The Conservation Department has less resources to confront more work.

I don’t feel well served.

If you agree, tell your candidates for local office, and vote accordingly. We are a coastal community. Storms are lining up to batter us. We need a strong Conservation Department. Patrick C. Burhenne

Fairfield