Fairfield Metro

Fairfield Metro is a 1100000sqft commercial development and regional commuter rail station situated on 35acre in the town of Fairfield, Connecticut. The in-fill station, located 1.8mile east of Fairfield station along Metro-North's New Haven Line, opened on December 5, 2011.NameAs the station neared completion, a debate emerged within the surrounding community concerning the name of the station. The station was named "Fairfield Metro" as indicated by signs on the station platforms. This was the name preferred by the developer of the surrounding site, Blackrock Realty, and was the one being used by the state. Fairfield residents, however, called the name bland. First Selectman Kenneth Flatto noted that the Town would prefer something different, and an online survey was posted asking residents of the town and surrounding areas to voice their opinions. Popular suggestions included: Black Rock, Black Rock Turnpike, Ash Creek, and Grasmere, among others. The state had the final word in naming the station and could choose to follow or disregard the town's recommendations. To meet the opening deadline of November 2011, a name had to be chosen by February 2010. The final name of Fairfield Metro was announced on March 18, 2011.Funding historyIn late December 2009, State Senator John P. McKinney and Governor Jodi Rell announced a bond authorization for $20 million wherein the state would assume the developer's obligation for infrastructure work and thereby continue the project. In late April 2010, the developer's obligation for infrastructure improvements was reduced to $5.2 million with the balance being financed through the aforementioned state bonds. Responsibility for construction of the 1,500-car parking lot and access road at the town's third train station on lower Black Rock Turnpike was transferred to the town as the developer's financial obligation was reduced. In July 2011 an audit of the contract and the cost overruns was approved by the Fairfield Board of Finance and members of the Representative Town Meeting.