Concerned neighbors are mobilizing against a newly approved 45-unit apartment complex slated for 812–820 Reef Road. The project, greenlit 5–2 by the Planning and Zoning Commission earlier this month, would replace two duplexes with a four-story residential building that includes 14 affordable units.
Residents say the site—located within a designated flood hazard zone—poses serious safety and environmental risks. During Hurricane Sandy, Reef Road served as the only evacuation route for hundreds of Fairfield Beach residents. Adding dozens of new apartments and vehicles, opponents argue, could turn that lifeline into gridlock during an emergency.
Commissioners Kathryn Braun and Alexis Harrison, who voted against the plan, warned of “pandemonium” in future evacuations, citing flood projections showing up to four feet of water on Reef Road during major storms. Supporters of the project imposed evacuation-plan requirements and occupancy limits, but opponents say those measures fall far short of addressing real-world dangers.
In response, Penfield Reef Neighbors for Responsible Development has launched a legal appeal to overturn the approval. The group—led by Fairfield residents Dina Cummings and Sue Camarda—aims to raise funds for legal representation and community outreach.
Community members can support the appeal by donating, spreading the word, and joining the Facebook group Penfield Reef Neighbors for Responsible Development. The appeal period closes soon, making this a decisive moment for Fairfield Beach residents who want to preserve the safety, character, and livability of their coastal neighborhood.
The Fairfield Beach Association (FBA) was founded in 1955 as a way to give Fairfield Beach residents a unified voice in local matters affecting safety, livability, and the environment. Over the decades, it has grown into a trusted, representative organization advocating on behalf of more than 3,000 residents and 1,300 households across the beach area — from Old Post Road to Beach Road and from Reef Road to the end of Fairfield Beach Road.
FBA operates as a registered 501(c)(4) nonprofit civic association, which means it exists solely to promote the welfare of the community, not for profit. Our members include year-round homeowners, seasonal residents, and local partners who share a commitment to maintaining the integrity, safety, and natural beauty of Fairfield Beach. Through regular meetings, town collaboration, and community events, FBA helps build stronger relationships among neighbors and ensures that every resident has a voice in shaping the future of the shoreline.
Scott Hirsh, President
Fairfield Beach Association
fbra06824@gmail.com