Town of Fairfield News
7/10/2020 - 7.10 TOWN UPDATE
Dear Fairfielders,
I hope you are finding some time to enjoy the summer. Even with the pandemic restrictions, our town has much to offer. I want to thank our residents for their continued support and feedback. This week's update includes many new items and initiatives throughout Town. I hope you find this newsletter a helpful resource.
We do have a tropical storm warning in effect for tonight which could lead to flash flooding and possible downed trees and wires. We have Town and contractor tree crews on standby and the emergency communications center will be fully staffed.
We remind residents not to drive through flooded streets, particularly under the railroad bridges, check to make sure the storm drains near your home are clear of debris, and refer to the Town storm page for further tips. Register for emergency alerts at fairfieldct.org/alerts.
To report a power outage, call UI at 800-722-5584.
COVID-19 UPDATE:
The good news is that COVID-19 numbers in Connecticut and Fairfield are very good from a variety of perspectives. Connecticut currently has very low numbers of new cases and hospitalizations, as well as the lowest transmission rate in the country.
This past week Fairfield saw only two additional new cases and in the past 30 days has experienced only one COVID-19 associated death.
The not so good news is that CT is one of only eight states where the transmission rate indicates transmission is slowing. In all other areas of the country transmission is increasing with some states seeing dramatic increase in cases and hospitalizations.
This means that we have to continue our work to prevent an increase in cases. Not only do we need to continue wear face coverings, to stay six feet from each other and to wash or sanitize our hands frequently; but now we also have to consider our summer travel and if we choose to gather in larger numbers.
Please take the time to check the CT Travel Advisory page to know what states are on the list as most impacted. If you travel to these states you are asked to quarantine for 14-days upon return.
While the opportunity exists to gather in larger numbers now, consider the risk of larger gatherings, especially those indoors. It was hard work to get us to the point we are now at in Fairfield, let’s continue to work together to prevent COVID-19 from returning to our area.
The Town of Fairfield has 657 residents who have tested positive for COVID-19 and a total of 143 of our residents have sadly lost their lives. Of the 657 residents who have tested positive in Fairfield, 311 have reported that they have fully recovered.
Charts and data on Fairfield cases including age, gender, nursing home statistics, testing samples, and different trend lines can be found at fairfieldct.org/covid19data.
Contact Tracing
The Fairfield Health Department is actively participating in the state-wide contact tracing program which is a crucial part in fighting COVID-19. For this initiative to be successful, the Health Department needs the cooperation of residents of those who test positive for COVID-19. The primary purpose of contact tracing is to identify and notify direct contacts of confirmed cases as quickly as possible and to ensure those exposed are self-quarantining. The information provided in the interviews with confirmed cases helps reduce the potential spread of the virus in our community. Please help Fairfield continue the fight against COVID-19 and pick up the phone or call us back if someone from the Health Department or Connecticut Contact Tracing Program calls you. |
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| RESIDENT CORNER:
I take pride in our community's active engagement through the thoughtful emails I receive every day with feedback and questions. Here are some of the top issues I have been contacted about recently and what I am doing to address them.
Neighborhoods: After the tragic hit and run accident that occurred in town over the 4th of July holiday, my office and the Police Department have received many emails with concerns about speeding in neighborhoods all over town. While this isn't a new concern, there is heightened awareness after this tragic accident. As more of our residents are using the roads to walk, bike and exercise because of the pandemic, I hope this terrible accident serves as a reminder to our residents that it is important to be alert while driving and obey traffic laws. See the reminder below about pedestrian and bicycle safety.
Beaches/Parking: On Wednesday night, I'm pleased that the Police Commission voted to increase the fines for parking in no parking zones in the beach area from $80 to $200. After receiving numerous complaints from residents in the beach area, I hope this increased fine will help deter illegal parking in the beach area.
Libraries: Buildings remain closed through the month of July, but services continue: Scheduled Curbside Pickup of materials, virtual programs, reference assistance, reader’s advisory and tech help. The libraries’ digital resources are always available 24/7. The annual Summer Reading Program – Imagine Your Own Story is underway. Curbside Pickup service continues to improve, as we work towards increasing the number of pickup appointments available to patrons and work on future plans to allow computer access to residents. Visit fairfieldpubliclibrary.org for library updates.
Cable & Internet: Many residents have written to me, their RTM members and their State Representatives about their frustration with Optimum and Cablevision. With many of our residents working virtually from home, internet is critical to our daily lives. Unfortunately, the company has not been responsive to numerous requests for assistance. While the Town does not have authority to regulate a public utility, RTM leadership requested the town send out a survey so that Fairfield elected officials can share that information with the cable company. The link to the survey can be found here and below.
Keep Fairfield Beautiful: Fairfield is lucky to have many beautiful parks, open spaces, and beaches available for the enjoyment of our residents. Please help the Town to keep our public spaces clean by properly disposing of your trash. Together we can keep Fairfield beautiful and clean!
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BUSINESS:
Last week I had the opportunity to tour a new business that will soon be opening called the Reef Shack Grill and Market with the new owners, Jay and Bridget Lesizza. The Fairfield husband and wife team are excited to be opening their new business at the site of the former 7/11. It's always a pleasure to welcome a new business to Fairfield. The Reef Shack Grill and Market will feature a grab and go section and made to order sandwiches. I was lucky enough to try their homemade delicious Italian ice sorbet. Bridget and Jay hope to have the Reef Shack open to residents in mid August For more information visit: reefshackffld.com |
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SCHOOLS:
This afternoon the Emergency Management Team's Planning Committee will meet with the School Superintendent and administrators to begin the process of planning for the Governor's Back to School Plans. You can read more about the Governor's plan here. I will share an update of our meeting in the newsletter next week.
I hope you will scroll through the new announcements and resources below that may be helpful to you. I hope you have a nice weekend.
Sincerely,
Brenda L. Kupchick
Fairfield First Selectwoman |
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 RESIDENT SURVEY: Do you use Optimum for a cable provider? Are you experiencing outages?
Please complete this survey so we can share your experiences with Optimum. |
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2020 HURRICANE SEASON UPDATE: If we have to evacuate where will we go?
Emergency Officials recommend every household have an emergency plan and options for relocation should hurricane evacuations become necessary. Sheltering with family or friends outside the evacuation zones are typically the best options. Due to COVID19 some of those options may not be available or appropriate this year. Hotels may be an option for some families but can reach capacity quickly. If none of these are available options the local emergency shelter will be available. The Emergency Shelter should be considered a resource of last resort.
The challenges of COVID-19 make family evacuation planning a priority. We recommend that you begin now for the upcoming Hurricane season. If your home is subject to flooding, if extended loss of electricity creates serious hardships or for those residents who have underlying medical conditions; an emergency plan fully understood by all family members and discussed with host families should be developed.
The Town of Fairfield maintains an Emergency Shelter at the Fairfield Ludlowe High School. The Emergency Shelter will open with reduced capacity if evacuation orders are issued and when conditions warrant. Hurricane Season in New England is from August 1 to November 1. Modifications to our sheltering plans are being developed to insure physical distancing and the highest levels of cleaning following CDC guidelines.
All residents should register with CTAlert.gov for state and local emergency messages.
Additional planning updates will be issued as the hurricane season develops but every family should begin the discussion now answering the question: “if we had to evacuate where will we go?” For additional guidance please check the Fairfield website fairfieldct.org/hurricane or the Fairfield STORM PAGE.
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STEP OUT FOR THE BRAVE 40,000 STEP VIRTUAL CHALLENGE 
Between Saturday, August 8th and Sunday, August 16th, join the Step Out for the Brave 40,000 Step Virtual Challenge to take 40,000 steps for each of the 40,000 homeless Veterans across the United States. Complete the challenge individually or as a group. Step Out in one day or nine. Each step you take is a step towards helping a homeless Veteran. Register and more information here. |
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FAIRFIELD SIDEWALK SALE
On Saturday, July 18, from 10 am to 4 p.m. The Town of Fairfield and Fairfield Chamber of Commerce will again co-sponsor the Fairfield Sidewalk Sale event. For information on participating vendors, restaurants and activities, please visit www.fairfieldct.org/sidewalksale. |
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FAIRFIELD BICYCLE & PEDESTRIAN COMMITTEE:
The Town of Fairfield Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee, working with the Fairfield Health Department and other Fairfield Town Departments, now has three approved bicycle routes around town. These routes have been marked with signage and, where possible, road lines and “sharrow” markings. In addition to the bike routes, the Town of Fairfield Department of Public Works has installed eight bicycle repair stations and pumps around town. The eight repair stations and pumps are located at Southport, Penfield and Jennings Beaches, the Main and Fairfield Woods Library, Riverside Park and the parking lot behind Saint Timothy’s Church off of Congress Street. See more here.
The Fairfield Bicycle & Pedestrian Committee reminds residents:
Pedestrians:
- Walk against traffic
- Use the sidewalks
- If there are no sidewalks, walk single file when in groups
Bicyclists:
- Ride with traffic in the street (not on sidewalks)
- Announce Yourself When Approaching Pedestrians Not Facing You
- Observe All Street Signs
- Ride Single File When in Groups
- And, WEAR A HELMET! |
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NEW EMERGENCY ALERT SYSTEM
The Town of Fairfield will no longer be utilizing the current alert system known as CodeRed to issue emergency and community alerts to residents and business owners. We are switching to a new system.
In order to continue receiving Emergency and Community alerts from the Town of Fairfield, you must sign up again. Visit www.fairfieldct.org/alerts |
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TOWN CONSTRUCTION
The Town of Fairfield is announcing the start of a Sewer Improvement project on Easton Turnpike (Route 59) starting on Monday, July 13, 2020. The project will run from Jefferson Street to Church Hill Road along Easton Turnpike.
The project includes the replacement of the existing Sewer Pump Station and installing two new forced sewer mains. The purpose of this project is to increase the sewer capacity in the area. Traffic will be alternating pattern throughout the construction area Monday through Friday between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM. |
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The Fairfield COVID-19 Small Business Assistance Program was established to provide limited, one-time direct financial assistance to eligible Fairfield small businesses that employ five or fewer employees and that have been adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
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The Fairfield COVID-19 Relief Fund was established to provide limited, one-time assistance to Fairfield residents who have been adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Use of the funds must be directly related to the effects of the virus. Donate to the fund or apply for relief by clicking below.
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HEAT KILLS: If You Love 'Em, Don't Leave 'Em
It takes just a few minutes for the temperature inside a vehicle to skyrocket, sometimes causing entirely preventable tragedies. I worked hard to launch this program in 2015 with the Fairfield Police Department, which has been replicated throughout the state, in an effort to remind residents of the dangers of leaving their kids or pets in a car during warm weather. I thank all the stores who have posted these signs in their parking lots.
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PARKING:
Heading to the beach or Lake Mohegan? Check the parking lot capacity before you go: |
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FARMER'S MARKETS:
The downtown farmers market will return to Sherman Green on June 28, and will continue on Sundays, from 10AM-2PM throughout the summer months and into the fall season. In keeping with CDC and State of CT guidelines, face masks and social distancing protocols are required. For more information and a list of vendors, please visit www.fairfieldfarmersmarket.org. For those unable to make Sundays, the Greenfield Hill Farmers Market, located at 65 Hillside Road, is another great local option which is open on Saturdays from 10AM to 2PM, through the fall. |
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LOCAL TAXES
Pay your taxes at the outdoor window. See how here.
Tax Deferment: Tax Deferment: Deferment-eligible 1st quarter real estate taxes, and 1st installment motor vehicle and personal property taxes became due July 1 and are payable through October 1. Failure to pay by October 1 makes the installment delinquent and subject to interest charges of 1 1/2% per month from July 1, 2020. Please note that real estate accounts held in escrow and commercial accounts that did not apply for deferment by July 1 are ineligible. For more details on eligibility or for anyone with questions, please click here to visit the Tax Collector’s website or call 203-256-3100. |
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UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS
If you become unemployed due to coronavirus (COVID-19), you should file for unemployment benefits. Click here for more information. For frequently asked questions about coronavirus (COVID-19) for workers and employers click here. |
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ASSISTANCE FOR RENTERS, HOMEOWNERS & RESIDENTIAL LANDLORDS
Governor Lamont announced today a comprehensive plan to put more than $33 million in state and federal resources to work providing emergency assistance to renters, homeowners, and residential landlords impacted by the COVID-19 public health emergency.
For more information on the resources, please see the following websites:
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TOWN GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS
Sullivan Independence Hall and Old Town Hall are open to the public by appointment only for the safety of employees and residents. Please visit this summary page for an overview and follow links to specific departments for more information. |
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| Many residents are installing pools, decks and patios. Please be aware that many items require a permit for your own safety to ensure proper installation. Learn more about the COVID permitting procedures here. |
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SOCIAL SERVICES
Social Services continues to assist by telephone town residents who are experiencing difficulty providing the basic needs for themselves and their families, especially during these unprecedented times. Please call with any questions or concerns: 203-256-3170 or visit at fairfieldct.org/humanservices. |
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BIGELOW CENTER
Transportation services have resumed on a limited basis for medical appointments and grocery shopping. Reservations for rides are first-come, first-served for shopping and medical appointments and must be made no less than one week in advance. Please call the senior center for more information: 203-256-3166.
The number of riders per trip is limited to four. For those who do not live in Senior and Disabled Housing, Fairfield Senior Transportation will provide rides on fixed routes based on neighborhoods either Tuesdays or Thursdays each week. Masks must be worn to board the buses. GBT buses will continue to provide weekly trips to the Supermarket for residents of Senior and Disabled Housing. Rides are now available to medical appointments for Fairfield’s seniors and people with disabilities on Wednesdays and Fridays between the hours of 9:30 – 3:00 PM (do not schedule any appointments after 1:30 PM).
Meals for those who are unable to cook or get to the market, and Senior Grocery bags, provided by the Southwestern Connecticut Agency on Aging, will continue to be delivered by Senior Center staff and CERT volunteers.
Read the latest newsletter here. Bigelow Center and Social Services staff is available by phone during normal business hours to answer your questions. The Senior Center phone number is 203-256-3166, or email BigelowCenter@FairfieldCT.org. |
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COVID-19 TESTING
CVS has expanded their drive-thru testing to include 12 new sites in CT. These new sites will utilize self-swab tests and will be available to individuals meeting Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria, in addition to age guidelines. Learn more here.
At this time, testing priority is given to those who are high risk. For more information on testing sites and protocols click here or visit www.fairfieldct.org/covid19. |
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OPERATION HOPE FOOD PANTRY
Operation Hope wants to make sure residents of Fairfield are aware that the food pantry remains open and is ready to help by providing food and other basic needs to community residents, as they have for nearly 35 years. The pantry is currently operating as a drive-up service at 636 Old Post Road offering prepacked bags of groceries appropriate for various-sized households.
Hours of Operation: Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 10:00-12:00; Thursday from 4:00 -6:00. Visit operationhopect.org. |
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FAIRFIELD PUBLIC LIBRARY: OPEN ONLINE & CURB SIDE PICK-UP
Please visit fairfieldpubliclibrary.org for full details regarding this service. In the interest of everyone’s safety and health, library buildings will remain closed while providing this contact-free service.
Fairfield Public Library continues to offer 24/7 access to their digital collection of books, music, magazines and movies plus a wide and varied assortment of virtual programs. Learn more here: fplct.librarymarket.com/.
Need a library card? Follow this link fairfieldpubliclibrary.org/my-fpl/library-cards/ and get started today!
Sign up for the library newsletter here. |
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PEQUOT LIBRARY: WE'RE HERE, WE CARE 
Pequot Library's doors may be temporarily closed, but our librarians and staff are still here for you! Enjoy digital programs like story times, author talks, book clubs, and more! Get details on our website and social media: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. Sign up for Pequot Library's Digital Digest eNewsletter or contact our Chief Librarian for personalized book recommendations.
On Monday, June 22, Pequot will be curbside pickup. Please contact us for more information. |
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Important COVID-19 Links:
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Contact Information:
For general questions you can call 211
Hartford HealthCare’s COVID-19 Clinical Command Center hotline, staffed by healthcare professionals, is now available to the community. To reach the 24-hour hotline, call 860.972.8100 or (toll-free) 833.621.0600.
YNHH has a call center number it’s 1-833-ASK YNHH that’s open from 7am - 7pm.
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PREVIOUS COVID-19 UPDATES:
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