2/14/2023 - Penfield Pavilion Town Hall Meeting

Residents are invited for a Town Hall Meeting
Regarding Penfield Pavilion:

Thursday, February 23, 2023
(Snow Date: Tuesday, March 7, 2023)
6:00 PM
 Fairfield Ludlowe High School Auditorium
785 Unquowa Road
 
We recommend residents attend in person but if you are unable, you can view the meeting virtually and submit questions in the chat:  https://tofit.my.webex.com/join/fairfield

Viewing only at FairTV’s cable channel: 79 for Fairfield Cablevision customers and 6010 for Frontier Cable customers
FairTV’s website https://fairfieldct.org/fairtv/government
By phone to listen only: Dial 510-338-9438, enter access code or meeting number: 624 512 956 #

Please join the Town of Fairfield, representatives from FEMA and Congressman Himes' office for an informational Town Hall on the Notice of Violation from FEMA regarding Penfield Pavilion.

There will be an opportunity for residents to submit questions to FEMA during the meeting. 

There will also be a virtual option, however due to the nature of a large auditorium, it might be difficult to hear, so it is recommended residents attend in person, if possible. The meeting will be recorded for those who cannot attend. 
 
Since the last update on Penfield in my January 20th newsletter, I participated in a call with FEMA on Friday afternoon and want to clarify a few items for residents prior to the meeting, specifically members of the Fairfield Beach Residents Association who have submitted questions. Certainly, all residents can and should clarify any questions directly with FEMA at the upcoming Town Hall meeting. 
  • Is there an option for residents and the Town to mediate the NOV with FEMA? While a fair request, FEMA confirmed on Friday that mediation of their regulations is not an option. 
  • Residents have asked questions about the elevation beneath the building. FEMA's regulations require the grade beams beneath the building to be at 8'.  
  • FEMA stated on Friday that residents who have insurance with the National Flood Insurance Program are at risk of losing the discounted rate, in addition to the Town buildings in the flood plain. 
  • Noncompliance with FEMA regulations puts the Town at risk of fines, and jeopardizes federal funding opportunities.
The Town remains committed to resolving the Notices of Violations with all the regulatory agencies. It is incredibly frustrating that the actions of a few individuals in the prior administration are costing the Town tens of millions of taxpayer dollars. 

I hope this informational forum will be helpful in answering our residents questions. We will send out a link to the meeting for those who want to participate virtually next week. 
Sincerely,

 


First Selectwoman Brenda L. Kupchick
 
Included below are some helpful pieces of information for residents to know about the history of the Pavilion. 
  • In early 2016 the Town was first warned, then formally notified through DEEP in August of 2016, and again many times since, that the construction of Penfield Pavilion was not in compliance with minimum floodplain management criteria and that continuing construction put the town at risk of losing the $4.3 million in FEMA funding. 
  • After ignoring FEMA's directives to bring the building into compliance and denying the two appeals by the Town for funding, FEMA formally issued the Notice of Violation to the Town, requiring the building be brought into compliance. 
  • This letter from FEMA to the Former First Selectman dated November 18, 2018 provides an informative look into FEMA's determinations.  
 
PAST PRESENTATIONS:
August 31, 2022 Presentation
November 18, 2022 Presentation