Ridgefield BOS Advances School Updates, Government Reform & Rec Plans

RIDGEFIELD, CT — The Ridgefield Board of Selectpersons on July 15 congratulated Corrin Arasa on her appointment to the Economic & Community Development Commission and reviewed several key initiatives affecting the town.

Plans for updates to Veterans Park Elementary School, built in 1955 and designed by modernist architect Willis N. Mills, were highlighted. Given the school’s architectural significance, the Ridgefield Historical Society recommended hiring a consultant to conduct a historic preservation evaluation before any renovations begin.

The Board also received recommendations from the Form of Government Committee after months of study and meetings. The report calls for maintaining Town Meetings as the legislative body and establishing a professional Town Administrator position. Selectpersons will begin discussions to determine next steps.

In addition, the Parks and Recreation Department identified a potential site for four new pickleball courts and parking at the Recreation Center on 195 Danbury Road. The proposal remains in preliminary stages and requires approvals from the Inland Wetlands Board, Planning & Zoning, and others before moving forward.

Looking ahead, the Board plans to schedule a public hearing and Town Meeting on several items, including ordinance updates to ban e-bikes and e-scooters on sidewalks, language adjustments regarding tertiary roads, the creation of an Affordable Housing Trust Fund, and the termination of the lease with Ability Beyond for a small town-owned property at Halpin Lane and Prospect Ridge.

The full meeting is available to watch online here.