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Fairfield Hosts Informational Meeting On I-95 Service Plaza Renovations

FAIRFIELD, Conn. -- The public is invited to an informational meeting on the I-95 Service Plaza, barriers and other concerns at the Exit 22 rest stops on Interstate 95 in Fairfield.

Fairfield residents hold a protest in June as they seek to have sound barriers built at the I-95 northbound rest area. Kurt Potter holds a sign saying barriers would help protect the nearby bird sanctuary.

Fairfield residents hold a protest in June as they seek to have sound barriers built at the I-95 northbound rest area. Kurt Potter holds a sign saying barriers would help protect the nearby bird sanctuary.

Photo Credit: Frank MacEachern, File

The meeting will take place Thursday, Sept. 18, at 7:30 p.m. at Roger Sherman Elementary School’s All Purpose Room. Roger Sherman is located at 250 Fern Street, which is off Beach Road.

State Rep. Brenda Kupchick, First Selectman Mike Tetreau and the Fairfield state delegation will attend with state Transportation Commissioner Jim Redeker, and developer Paul Landino.

“The town has organized this important informational meeting for citizens and anyone else who wishes to attend so that you can voice your ideas and pose questions to the commissioner and the developer," Tetreau said. "I hope that many members of the public can join me at this important meeting so that you have the opportunity to have your voice heard.” 

For those who are unable to attend the meeting, email the First Selectman’s Office at firstselectmanffld@town.fairfield.ct.us with your name, address, phone number and email so the town can send any handouts that may be given out and also inform citizens of any additional meetings. In addition, anyone who is not able to attend may also email the First Selectman’s Office with comments you want submitted at this meeting.

For further questions, please call the First Selectman’s Office at 203-256-3030.

Area residents have been asking for safety or sound barriers to be installed along the entrance and exits ramps bordering the rest stops in Fairfield.

“I'm hopeful the meeting will allow for neighbors and area residents to have a productive discussion with the Commissioner and developer,” said Kupchick. 

Residents held a protest in June, seeking to have sound barriers installed at the under-renovation rest area on northbound I-95. About two dozen people gathered at the intersection of the I-95 off-ramp for Exit 22 and Round Hill Road, holding signs and waving at passing motorists.

Kurt Potter, who was holding a sign that said "Keep All Our Little Birds Safe" in reference to a nearby bird sanctuary, said a barrier should be installed and called it simply a matter of fairness. He pointed to the installation of sound barriers by the rest stops in Darien and questioned why Fairfield couldn't have a barrier installed.

"It is not an unusual concept here. Why is Fairfield different?" he said. "There is a fundamental sense of fairness at play here, too. Why not us? Why others and not us?"

Traditionally called sound barriers, the safety barriers would decrease noise as well as light and air pollution while also keeping the local community safe from potential threats at the rest area. 

In an incident last year, a trucker spotted the track at nearby Fairfield Ludlowe High School from the highway, entered the property and used the track and the indoor workout rooms before being arrested on trespassing charges.

Read more about the protest here on the Daily Voice. 

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