Ridgefield Selectpersons Discuss Senior Transportation Pilot And Parking Needs

RIDGEFIELD, CT — At its Sept. 17 meeting, the Ridgefield Board of Selectpersons approved reappointments, heard a proposal for a senior transportation pilot program, and discussed town property, parking concerns, and upcoming events.

The meeting opened with the reappointment of Commission on Aging member Patricia Yaffa, who said she wanted to continue her work supporting seniors. Board members praised her efforts, which included organizing the town’s senior expo.

Yaffa and members of the Transportation Task Force then presented plans for a pilot program to improve senior transportation. The initiative would use $15,000 from funds raised during the senior expo to partner with Roundtrip, a rideshare company specializing in medical transport. Task force members said the program aims to reduce the 40 to 50 ride requests that go unfilled each month due to a shortage of volunteer drivers.

Selectpersons raised questions about liability, costs, and logistics but expressed support for testing the pilot, which would primarily focus on trips to Danbury medical facilities. Officials emphasized the program would be carefully monitored.

The board also voted to reappoint Marcus Recck to the Parking Authority. Recck reported that Ridgefield’s downtown parking is generally sufficient, though residents often view the issue as a “walking problem” rather than a shortage of spaces. He said the authority is working with property owners to expand available parking and has seen success with recent enforcement changes on Bailey Avenue, where the window for parking has lowered from three to two hours.

In other business, First Selectman Rudy Marconi announced the town has finalized ownership of 29 Lakeview Drive, a long-blighted property. While the deed transfer is complete, a piece of heavy equipment remains on-site, and officials are seeking legal guidance on removal.

Marconi also reported that a vacant house on Flat Rock Drive was heavily damaged in an overnight fire. The property had been subject to blight complaints, and the cause of the blaze is under investigation by the fire marshal.

The board amended and approved minutes from prior meetings, discussed Habitat for Humanity’s potential return for a zoning request, and reviewed upcoming deer management property lists. Members also noted preparations for Ridgefield Safety Day, scheduled for Sept. 21 at East Ridge Middle School, featuring police, fire, and emergency demonstrations.

The meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m.