Residents in the Stratfield section of Fairfield are fighting hard to keep a proposed Walgreens Pharmacy out of their small community.

After the landlord of the old IGA Supermarket on Stratfield Road declined to renew the store's lease, Walgreens quickly signed on for the property. However, the independently owned and operated IGA long ago received permission to issue parking spots in an area zoned for residential use. Residents hoping to keep another big chain from entering their neighborhood are now trying to use the parking issue as a wedge to drive Walgreens out.

The Zoning Board of Appeals is scheduled to meet Thursday at 4 p.m. at Fairfield Warde High School to discuss the parking exemption. Many residents are expected to be on hand.