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."