Weigh in on Fate of Penfield Pavilion [UPDATED]

[Editor's note: This article was edited on Aug. 25 to update the location of the meeting.]

Fairfield residents have a chance to help decide what will happen to Penfield Pavilion, the beach structure that suffered extensive damage during Superstorm Sandy.

Town officials will host a public meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 27, at 7 p.m. in the Fairfield Ludlowe High School auditorium. 

During the meeting, officials and design consultants will present on options considered for the repair of the pavilion. Members of the public will be able to comment following the presentation.

“It is important that our town holds this meeting to get the public’s input on repairing one of Fairfield’s most treasured landmarks," First Selectman Michael Tetreau said. "The town wants to ensure that the new pavilion will withstand severe weather and continue to be part of our community for generations to come.”       

Earlier this year, Fairfield hired a design team led by Jose-Miguel Albaine to evaluate the damages and consider how to repair the facility. The geotechnical engineering firm Heller & Johnson is working with Albaine to evaluate the soil aspects of the project. The coastal engineering firm Roberge Associates is working to evaluate the potential storm conditions and wave actions site of the building. Peter Cummings Inc. is involved with the construction methods and estimating.

The team will present three design options at the Aug. 27 meeting:

1. Repair the structure with the same footprint at the same elevation;
2. Repair the structure and raise the elevation above the new FEMA flood elevations;
3. Repair the structure, raise the elevation above the new FEMA flood elevations, and relocate the facility to the north by approximately 80 feet.

Once a course of action is decided, the town will begin the final design process.

“Penfield Pavilion is a very important and visible facility along the Fairfield shoreline. The process to determine the future of this facility will be a well-vetted public process that will come before many town boards," Public Works Director Joe Michelangelo said. 

"The purpose of this meeting is to receive public input at this early conceptual design stage.”

How do you think Penfield Pavilion should be repaired? Tell us in the comments.