In 2017, with grant funding secured via WestCOG, the Board of Selectpersons sponsored a strategic review of the long-term possibilities for development in the area surrounding the Branchville train station. The effort included public engagement workshops, a review of the infrastructure and built environment, a review of the natural environment and resources, a market and zoning analysis, and more. 

Since 2017, the Town has obtained federal and state funding to complete many of the initial infrastructure needs identified by the plan. However, the zoning regulations and maps have not been updated to accommodate the recommendations and vision from the 2017 study. The PZC had limited involvement in the study, and with infrastructure expected to be many years away, the zoning updates were simply not a priority.

In late 2023, given the progress on infrastructure, the number of new Commission members, and other factors, the PZC decided to initiate its own strategic discussion on Branchville. Picking up from the 2017 study, the Commission recognized the need to refresh both the Commissioners and members of the public, and possibly update some data and recommendations for a post-COVID Ridgefield including changed demographics, commute patterns, etc. 

The PZC mapped out three initial learning and listening sessions, which were added to the agenda of  the below meetings:

1. December 19, 2023.  Francis Pickering (Executive Director, WestCOG), to discuss transit-oriented developments (TODs) generally, including best practices, key features, case studies in CT and beyond.  Also to discuss the CT legislature's recent focus on TODs.
2. January 16, 2024.  Francisco Gomes (Senior Project Manager, FHI Studio), to recap for the Commission the key findings and recommendations of the 2017 study (which Francisco led), and also discuss possible updates needed and process to refresh the discussion in 2023.
3. February 6, 2024.  Rudy Marconi (First Selectperson, Ridgefield), to discuss the recent infrastructure improvements, the path forward on additional work (notably sewer capacity), and any other recommendations or advice from the FS/BOS as the PZC begins its review.

After the three presentations, the PZC will have discussion(s) at it's public meetings to outline the Commission's consensus on an optimal process and timeline for public engagement and further analysis. Likely in later February or March, we will be able to provide an outline on the key steps to be taken during CY2024.    

We will continue to keep this page updated with information, and of course we will provide formal Public Notice if/when Public Hearings are scheduled.    

Since those meetings, the PZC has been involved in the following:

1. May, 2025. The Town has retained FHI Studio, Francisco Gomes, Senior Project Manager, to revisit the Branchville study from 2017 and look at current trends and interest in the future development of the Branchville area.

2. June17, 2025. Discussion at P&Z meeting with Francisco to develop a schedule for meeting and public involvement going forward. A virtual Public Forum has been scheduled for June 24, 2025.

3. June 24, 2025. Public Forum for a community-wide conversation concerning the Branchville area of Ridgefield.

Updated 6/19/25

Documents

• Branchville TOD Plan (Feb 2017)
• Branchville Village Plan (2002)