Mold Remediation in Fairfield, CT

The planned housing complex would have 45 units.

FAIRFIELD, CT — A petition has been launched on Change.org in an effort to stop a proposed 45-unit housing complex at 812 and 820 Reef Road and 155 Forest Ave. in Fairfield.

The four-story complex — three stories would be used for housing — is being developed by Piekarski Investments, LLC, and falls under the state's 8-30g housing regulations. Fairfield resident Andrew Piekarski is the principal owner.

A total of 14 of the 45 units would be deemed affordable.

"We are Fairfield (beach area) residents deeply concerned about the public health, safety, and environmental risks posed by a proposed 45-unit apartment complex on Reef Road," the petition reads. "This development threatens to overwhelm our already congested streets, strain emergency access and sewer systems, increase flooding risks, and drastically alter the character of our community."

As of Wednesday, the petition had garnered more than 300 signatures.

The Town Plan and Zoning Commission was scheduled to hold a public hearing on the application on Tuesday, but it was tabled until July 22. The commission has until Aug. 5 to complete the public hearing, and has until the end of October to decide on the application.

Piekarski is seeking to build 36 two-bedroom apartments, a half-dozen one-bedroom units and three studio apartments at the complex, with 64 parking spaces. Some of those spaces would be under the building, but most of them would be above ground on the adjacent Forest Avenue property.

Multiple buildings on the properties would be demolished to make room for the new complex and parking.

The petitioners argue that the proposal would adversely impact the neighborhood.

"As residents of this neighborhood, many of us have or are raising families here, and we speak from direct experience," the petition reads. "We witness the daily realities of traffic congestion, flooding, inadequate infrastructure, and overcrowding — and we know that a project of this magnitude will significantly worsen already hazardous conditions. This proposal presents clear threats to public health and safety, environmental sustainability, and the quality of life we’ve worked hard to preserve."

FAIRFIELD, CT — Oggi Gelato, the popular, authentic international gelato shop, is opening its second Connecticut location Saturday at 1499 Post Road in downtown Fairfield.

Located in the space that previously held a Chico's clothing store, the shop specializes in fresh, handmade artisan gelato, and churns out flavors every 15 to 20 minutes, according to co-owner Maurizio Ricci.

"We make only real homemade, artisanal products without artificial colors, preservatives, or hydrogenated oils," the website reads. "Today and every day OGGI promises to produce authentic, local and made fresh daily products for the communities we serve."

The shop offers both dairy and dairy-free flavors, and co-owner Carmelo Chiaramida said his favorite combination is a bit of a surprise for someone from Italy.

"My favorite combination is dark chocolate and limone, German style," Chiaramida said with a smile.

— From left, Maurizio Ricci, Eric Blomberg and Carmelo Chiaramida, co-owners of the Oggi Gelato Fairfield. Photo credit: Alfred Branch/Patch

Chiaramida founded the chain in Europe, and now has a dozen locations, primarily in Italy and Spain. He says he hopes to open more shops in Connecticut. Other partners in the Connecticut ventures are Giuliano Parolin, attorney Eric Blomberg, and Massimo De Paola.

"The idea is to add more locations, three, four, maybe five shops in Connecticut," Chiaramida told Patch. "Maybe, hopefully, after we get this one going."

Ricci, who also owns Romanacci pizzerias and restaurants in Connecticut, met Chiaramida a few years ago at a food show in Italy, where the two became friends.

"Carmelo, since he was a young kid, he was obsessed with America," Ricci said. "He didn't have any connections in the United States, and we met after I heard him talking about the America with passion, and I told him that I have a few restaurants in the U.S. in Connecticut. And that's how it started."

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— The menu at Oggi Gelato Fairfield, at 1499 Post Road. Photo credit: Alfred Branch/Patch

On Friday, the shop held a ribbon-cutting ceremony with Fairfield First Selectman Bill Gerber and Fairfield Chamber of Commerce President Beverly Balaz.

Work crews and employees were putting the finishing touches on the shop on Friday in preparation for the grand opening, which is scheduled for 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, June 28.

Following Saturday's opening, the shop's regular hours will be noon to 10 p.m., Sunday through Thursday; and noon to 11 p.m., Friday and Saturday.

FAIRFIELD, CT — Fairfield achieved favorable outcomes from recent municipal bond and note sales totaling more than $54 million, and officials credited the success to the town’s strong financial standing and favorable ratings from national credit agencies.

The town raised $45.3 million through a new money bond sale and an additional $9.25 million through note sales. The bond sale attracted 14 bidders, with Janney Montgomery Scott submitting the winning bid at a 3.69% interest rate. The five top offers were separated by just three basis points, suggesting robust demand and a stable market, according to town officials.

"We’re thrilled with these results, as they allow us to keep debt service costs low and ease the financial strain on our taxpayers," First Selectman Bill Gerber said in a statement.

Jefferies LLC won the note sale with a 2.93% bid, one of six offers submitted. The funds from both sales are expected to be available to the town following a July 3 settlement date.

Proceeds will fund a range of capital projects, including school air conditioning installations, roof replacements at school facilities, and general infrastructure and sewer improvements.

The town’s credit ratings played a key role in attracting strong interest from investors. Moody’s Investors Service and Fitch Ratings, two of the three major Wall Street credit rating agencies, issued favorable reviews of the town’s fiscal health ahead of the sale.

"The success of these sales was bolstered by the Town’s exceptional credit ratings," said Matthew Spoerndle, a Senior Managing Director of Phoenix Advisors and Fairfield's municipal advisor. "The Town’s commitment to fiscal responsibility and the economic vibrancy of the community overall helped contribute to these excellent results for Fairfield taxpayers!"

FAIRFIELD, CT — Fairfield is preparing to celebrate its eighth annual Make Music Day on Saturday, June 21, with more than 150 performers, 29 venues and nearly 100 performances scheduled during the 14-hour event from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. The town is one of 17 in the state to host the music celebration.

Make Music Day, which falls on the Summer Solstice, is a free, community-wide celebration of live performance. The event traces its roots back to Paris, France, in 1982 and now includes more than 2,000 cities across the globe. Performances range in style and are held in parks, sidewalks, town squares, beaches, porches and parking lots, with all events free and open to the public.

Over the years, Make Music Fairfield has had more than 100 venues and 350 performers. The community is encouraged to follow Make Music Fairfield’s Facebook and Instagram for additional details and schedules.

In addition to all the musical performances scheduled throughout the day, check out the other fun and interactive happenings around town during Make Music Fairfield:

Jennings Beach8AM – 9AM: Free Yoga Class hosted by Yoga 4 Everybody9AM – 10AM: Sound Bath hosted by Yoga 4 Everybody

Sherman Green Gazebo11AM – 11:45AM: Participatory Drum Circle with Jim LoPresti – All are invited to join!

12PM – 12:15PM: Opening Ceremony with Fairfield resident, composer and multi-instrumentalist, Brian Torff! Brian is the Chair of the Fairfield University Music Department. In addition to speaking briefly on the importance of music in his life, he will wow the crowd with a solo performance.

Each year Make Music Fairfield highlights a local musician as a way of illustrating that music can be, and is, a way of life. This year, we are delighted to recognize Brian Torff for his life in music and the musical influence he has had over so many. We invite you to join us for the Opening Ceremonies, which will be officiated by Brian at 12PM at the Sherman Green Gazebo.

The LOT at Fairfield Theatre Company4:00PM – 10PM: Family-friendly activities, samples of DownEast Cider

Fairfield University Pocket ParkMorning children’s activities and popsicle truck, a food truck in the afternoon as well as record sales, care of Vinyl Street Records

The Studio Fairfield3:30 – 7PM: In addition to music, there will be a member pottery sale and a food truck on-site

Make Music Fairfield 2025 is brought to the community through the support of the Town of Fairfield’s Office of Community and Economic Development, Fairfield Theatre Company a 501c(3) organization, the Connecticut Office of the Arts, Scott Vincent Photography, Gray Peaks images, Meals for Musicians, also a 501c(3) organization, YZR Music and generous donors and enthusiastic volunteers.

The state Department of Economic and Community Development's Connecticut Office of the Arts recently made the designation.

FAIRFIELD, CT — Fairfield has been granted Cultural District designation from the state Department of Economic and Community Development’s Connecticut Office of the Arts, and town officials celebrated the honor with a ceremony Tuesday at the SHU Community Theatre in the heart of the downtown district.

In addition to the SHU Community Theatre, the district also includes Fairfield Theatre Company, the Burr Mansion, Art/Place Gallery, the Fairfield Museum and History Center, the historic town green, Fairfield County StoryLab, Three Roses Studio, Fairfield University’s Quick Center for the Arts, the George Billis Gallery and The Studio Fairfield, among others.

"Today’s announcement showcases the talent, culture, history, and beauty that strengthen the unique character of Fairfield," Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz said during Tuesday's event. "We've been very lucky to get a taste of some of the amazing musical performances that can be found here at the SHU Community Theatre."

Tuesday's ceremony included performances by the SHU Community Theatre House Band, and Fairfield native Dylan Connor, who sang one of his original songs, called "Hometown Girl."

— Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz at Tuesday's ceremony celebrating Fairfield receiving Cultural District designation from the state. Photo credit: Alfred Branch/Patch

The state designation was championed by Fairfield's state delegation in Hartford, Reps. Cristin McCarthy Vahey, Jenn Leeper and Sarah Keitt, and state Sen. Tony Hwang.

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Connecticut's Cultural Districts are walkable areas of a community that feature numerous cultural facilities, activities and/or assets, according to officials.

The vibrant areas help attract visitors from other cities, towns and states and serve as a hub for residents to congregate and interact. As such, these districts:

First Selectman Bill Gerber said that Fairfield "is a center for the arts, music, theater, painting and photography."

"The arts are nothing new in Fairfield, but today's announcement of the establishment of Fairfield's Cultural District highlights the arts as a vital aspect of our town," he said. "It showcases our unique cultural identities."

— First Selectman Bill Gerber during Tuesday's ceremony celebrating Fairfield receiving Cultural District designation.

Liz Shapiro, Director of Arts, Preservation and Museums for the state Office of the Arts, said she has spent many enjoyable hours in Fairfield, and congratulated the town on receiving the designation.

"When you stand behind the beautiful new Fairfield Museum and History Center and close your eyes just a little bit, you can see and feel the architectural bones of Connecticut’s past," Shapiro said. "Fairfield’s deep sense of place has an immersive effect on residents and visitors alike."

Added Charlie MacDonald, chair of the Fairfield Arts Commission, "We are truly honored and excited to receive State recognition of our downtown cultural district. We look forward to continuing our work with the Connecticut Office of the Arts to promote and advance the arts in Fairfield."