Politics & Government

Letter: Stronger Neighborhoods, a Strong Fairfield

Resident Andrew Graceffa writes of his plans to run for a seat on the Town Plan and Zoning Commission.

[Editor's note: The following letter to the editor was submitted by Andrew Graceffa.]

I am writing to you today to introduce myself, Andrew Graceffa, and to seek your vote for a two-year seat on on the Fairfield Town Plan and Zoning Commission.  I was born and raised in Rockford, Illinois and lived in Chicago for five years after graduating from the University of Notre Dame School of Architecture. My wife Suzanne and I moved to Fairfield in 2006 with our daughter Lucia, who is now 10. Our other two daughters, Natalia (7) and Mariella (5), were born in Fairfield and all three are enrolled at McKinley Elementary School.

After graduation, I worked in Chicago and upon moving to Fairfield, I joined an architecture firm in Southport while studying sustainable design. In 2008, I began my career as a Sustainable Design Consultant at Viridian Energy & Environmental in South Norwalk.

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In 2010, I became involved with the Fairfield Bike Walk Coalition, a citizen advocacy group, and was elected president in 2011.  Also in 2011, I was appointed by the Board of Selectman to the Fairfield Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan Advisory Committee and was elected chair in 2012. Our committee has been charged with developing a bicycle and pedestrian master plan for the Town of Fairfield and, with the help of the Greater Bridgeport Regional Council and private and town department advisors, we completed our final draft and are presenting it to the Board of Selectmen and the Town Planning and Zoning Commission for integration into the Plan of Conservation and Development.

Through my training, work, and volunteering over the past two years, I've become increasingly passionate about the planning and zoning decisions made in Fairfield. I believe in Strong Neighborhoods and a Strong Town which means that Fairfield serves everyone; young, old, and in between, and is sustainable and financially strong.

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Our town of Fairfield, from its vibrant downtown and beach area, rural Greenfield Hill, two universities, and the bucolic residential areas in between, has significant development pressure and yet invigorating opportunity. The Town Planning and Zoning Commission is the entity that must ensure that our zoning regulations and enforcement are able to create and maintain create Strong Neighborhoods and subsequently, a stronger, more sustainable Fairfield.  

I feel that my experience, knowledge, and passion would offer a unique service to the Town Planning and Zoning Commission. As my campaign moves forward, I look forward to gathering input from my fellow residents and businesses and building momentum for a stronger Fairfield.  I also encourage you to visit my Facebook page to learn more about the issues and opportunities for our town.  And lastly, I hope that I can count on your vote.  I am incredibly excited for the future of Fairfield and the opportunity to give back to this fantastic town that we have been proud to call home.

Sincerely,

Andrew Graceffa



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