Enfield weighs future of Annex: fix it, move services, or build new

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Town Council members tour the Annex's infrastructure, peering inside utility closets. The former Fermi High School -- which closed in 2016 and is now known as the Enfield Annex -- has become a deep part of the community. Whether it's the swimming pool, space for wrestling, the student robotics competition team Buzz Robotics, summer camp or its many other uses, the building has a broad base of support. Last week, some of those supporters turned out to urge Town Council members to preserve the facility. The future of the former Fermi High School has lingered on the periphery of town discussions for years. No longer. The Town Council tour of the Annex was intended to help members see firsthand the remedial infrastructure work needed, from utility closets to the boiler room and roof. But residents saw it as a chance to show the council how important the building is to the town. A large crowd turned out, some with signs urging support for the Annex. Among those at the school was Jef...
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Car Wash to Replace Former 99 Restaurant

Russell Speeder's Car Wash design presented to PZC at its Sept. 25 meeting.

The Enfield Planning and Zoning Commission has approved a Russell Speeder's Car Wash at the former site of the 99 Restaurant and Pub, located at the corner of Hazard Avenue and Freshwater Boulevard. The restaurant building, which closed last year, will be demolished to make way for a car wash and vacuum station area

Two-Step Approval Process

The project advanced in two stages. In April, the Norwalk-based company sought a zoning text amendment to allow car washes in the Business Regional (BR) zone, which covers shopping centers such as the Stop & Shop plaza. Until then, car washes were only permitted in the Business General (BG) zone.

The amendment was approved on a 5–2 vote, but only after debate. One commissioner warned of a potential “proliferation” of car washes, noting Enfield already has two on Elm Street. To address that concern, the commission added a requirement that car washes in BR zones must be at least 1,000 feet apart.

There was also discussion about whether a car wash fit the intent of the BR zone, which also allows higher-end retail uses. It was pointed out that the zone already permits gas stations and auto repair with special permits, and that the Stop & Shop plaza already has two auto-related uses, a gas station and Advance Auto Parts.

Final Approval Last Week

Russell Speeder returned to the PZC on Sept. 25 for site plan and special permit approval. The proposal won approval on a 5–1 vote, with one abstention. Opponents raised concerns about the layout and internal traffic circulation.

Location: Enfield, CT 06082, USA

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