Fairfield RTC Condemns First Selectman Vitale’s Refusal to Hear Residents on 980 High Street Project

Fairfield, CT - The Fairfield Republican Town Committee (RTC) objects to First Selectman Christine Vitale’s decision against additional public input on allocating town funds for the 980 High Street development, also known as the Historic Judd Estate, citing her refusal to second a motion for a public forum at the Board of Selectmen meeting as limiting resident participation.

Despite significant resident opposition, First Selectman Vitale and Selectman Marcy Spolyar voted to allocate over $570,000 from the Town Housing Trust for a private developer’s proposed 40-unit housing complex on the historic Judd Estate.

Previously, the Town spent taxpayer dollars opposing this project in court, based on environmental harm determined by the Conservation Commission; yet it now supports it financially.

“Fairfield residents deserve transparency, respect, and a voice in major decisions affecting their neighborhoods,” said RTC Chair Laura Devlin. “Not holding a dedicated public town-hall style forum on an issue of this magnitude raises concerns about accountability and attentiveness to leadership responsibilities. Not to mention completely foregoing the negative environmental impact this will have.”

Selectwoman Brenda Kupchick proposed tabling the funding vote to hold a public town hall on the matter, but the proposal was not adopted. “This was a missed opportunity to listen,” said RTC Vice Chair Mike Grant. “Residents were asking for a fair process and open dialogue, which is the least they deserve.”

The Fairfield RTC urges the First Selectman and Board of Selectmen to reconsider their decision, hold an open public forum, and engage the community before allocating over half a million dollars in town funds to yet another out-of-place high-density housing project.

“Leadership means listening,” added Devlin. “When a packed room and a full inbox of emails are ignored, that’s not good government, it’s arrogance.”