Ridgefield P&Z Commission, Board of Selectpersons News

**News Release Submitted by Town of Ridgefield**

Jan. 24, 2025

The Planning and Zoning Commission (PZC) public hearing regarding a proposed Temporary and Limited Development Moratorium drew a large crowd Wednesday evening. The Commissioners listened to both opposing and supporting comments from attendees in the auditorium and via zoom. In addition, PZC Chair Rob Hendrick read into the record the names of those who submitted letters, summarizing the key points of each letter.

The public hearing is to be continued at the next PZC meeting which is scheduled for Tuesday, February 4th. Check the PZC page for more details.

Couldn’t make Tuesday’s meeting? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!
Watch the full public hearing here.

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At Wednesday’s special town meeting, the public voted to approve the proposed ordinance for a Fair Rent Commission in Ridgefield.

Prior to the town meeting, a public hearing was held at which First Selectperson Rudy Marconi explained that the Town needs to approve an ordinance for a Fair Rent Commission to be in compliance with State statute. Connecticut implemented a statute that requires municipalities with a population of over 25,000 to form a Fair Rent Commission. Ridgefield’s population is currently just over 25K, making us obligated to comply with this law. The ordinance can be viewed here.

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In addition to a public hearing and town meeting, the Board of Selectpersons (BOS) held a regularly scheduled meeting on Wednesday. These are the highlights:

• Congratulations to Andrea Beebe on her appointment to the Affordable Housing Committee!
• The Ridgefield Commemorates America at 250 Committee has many exciting events in the pipeline for their year long celebration of America turning 250 years old. The committee has been raising money and will continue to do so; however, they are asking for some financial help from the Town. The BOS will review the request and discuss it at the next BOS meeting.
• The BOS approved a resolution to submit an application for Ridgefield to become a designated Tree City, an honor awarded by the Arbor Day Foundation.
• For the past five years, the house at 729 North Salem Road, also known as Richardson Park, has been rented to a Ridgefield Police Department employee. The BOS voted to renew the lease with revised conditions pertaining to rent, maintenance and the length of the agreement.
• A petition for a proposed Flag Ordinance fly the PRIDE flag during the month of June has been resubmitted to the Town Clerk’s office. According to CT General Statute Chapter 90 Sec 7-9, signatures must be obtained no earlier than six months prior to the filing of the petition. The resubmitted petition may not be valid because some of the signatures could have been obtained prior to six months of the resubmission date, which was in December 2024. Town counsel is reviewing the statute and the petition to determine if the BOS should proceed with a public hearing and town meeting.
• There will be a public hearing on February 5, 2025 at 7:30 p.m. at East Ridge Middle School and a referendum on February 25, 2025 at 7:30 p.m. at Yanity Gym for the following:
  • The resolution appropriating $12,332,000 for roof replacements and repairs at select Ridgefield public schools.
  • The resolution appropriating $3,977,200 for the construction of a new Alternative High School and Transition School building.
  • The resolution appropriating $85,600,00 for the construction of a new Public Safety Facility.
  These price tags are significant; however, all three projects are extremely important to the safety and future of our residents and student population. We urge everyone to attend the public hearing to find out more about each project and have your questions answered.
• The BOS approved a resolution for an agreement between the Town of Ridgefield and the State of Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (CT DEEP) for the trail construction and maintenance of a portion of the Norwalk River Valley Trail (NRVT) called the Ridgefield Ramble. The NRVT project aims to design, build and maintain a 30-mile, multi-use, accessible trail connecting Norwalk, Wilton, Redding, Ridgefield and Danbury. The Ridgefield Ramble will run from Route 7 at Simpaug Turnpike to the Redding border, near Fire Hill Road, totaling 4.3 miles.

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This past week, the following BCCs also held meetings: Blight Prevention Board (BPB), Planning & Zoning Commission (PZC), Parks & Rec Commission, Board of Finance (BOF), Affordable Housing Committee (AHC), Inlands/Wetlands Board (IWB), Form of Government Committee,

In addition, the IWB had a sitewalk on Sunday.

The minutes for each meeting will be posted to their website no later then seven days after the meeting has occurred.

Did you know that there is a Board, Committee, or Commission meeting almost every night of the week!? Visit the Town Calendar to see the schedule.