Bridgeport Magnet School Rock Blasting Prompts Questions

Reports of rock blasting at odd hours at the Fairchild Magnet School next to Trumbull have several Trumbull residents wondering to whom they can turn.

After hearing reports of "jackhammering and rock blasting ... occurring at the magnet school site from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. on at least two occasions," Planning and Zoning Commission member Tony Silber reported them to Trumbull Zoning enforcement official Fred Bietsch.

The park is in Bridgeport next to Avalon Gates on Old Town Road, and the copmplaints came from Avalon residents, Silber said.

According to an email from Bietsch to Silber:

"Tony, [I] have reviewed the situation with our Fire Marshall’s office and found that they have discussed this item with the Bpt. Fire Marshall’s office. They will take no action and show little concern about blasting or work hours. Only suggestion is effected party or parties contact the State Fire Marshall’s office. Trumbull has little if any say on this project. Fred."

Calls to the Bridgeport Fire Marshal's Office and Bridgeport Mayor Bill Finch's office were not returned.

State Fire Marshal Robert J. Ross said his office works with the State Police, who investigate blasting complaints. He later added that issues such as blasting are usually addressed locally.

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The Interdistrict Magnet School will have 1,500 seats, 500 in each magnet. It will serve grades 9-12 and teach biology, Information Technology and Aerospace. Its students will be mostly from Bridgeport, with 30 percent from surrounding communities.

The park is owned by the state but used to be located in Trumbull until the Trumbull/Bridgeport border was redrawn to accommodate the school. Trumbull is working on getting a lease for nearby land off Quarry Road currently used by Bridgeport.