Who Should Control Ridgefield’s Development? By Krystyna Wanta
Prior to going on legislative leave, Connecticut’s House and Senate passed HB 6107, one of the most controversial zoning and land use bills introduced thus far. Although amended, the bill leaves the door wide open to more top-down state control of local municipalities. Most residents were not aware of the details of the bill and officials were not transparent. Proponents of the bill and their supporters continue to spin their version of the bill masking its faults.
It’s time to set the record straight. The stated purpose of Connecticut 6107 is to make zoning regulations advance the federal Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing rule instituted under Obama. The goal is to have diverse, multi-family, affordable housing in every suburban neighborhood in America. These zoning regulations shall be made in accordance with Connecticut’s state plan of conservation and community development and must provide for multifamily dwellings as designated by the Office of Policy and Management (OPM). Beginning in June 2022 and every 5 years, each town must submit an affordable housing plan to the OPM which specifies how it will increase the number of affordable housing developments (whether they’re needed or not.)
Proponents of the bill have tried to pacify opponents who point out the bill's lack of local control by calling for the creation of a “working group” to gather input and develop guidelines for towns to determine if their zoning and subdivision regulations are in compliance. A working group sounds good in theory but the reality is quite different. For one, constituents have no say as to who is part of the working group since group members will be appointed, not elected. The Secretary of the OPM will be a member as well as the Housing Commissioner, two fair housing representatives, two experts in state/local planning, one person from the Connecticut Association of Zoning Enforcement Officials, one expert on homelessness, one expert on affordable housing policy, one person from the building trades, one attorney who promotes affordable housing, one person from the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities, and just one person from the Connecticut Council of Small Towns.
A roomful of appointed Hartford bureaucrats with ONE individual to represent 169 towns! How is that fair to Ridgefield? Allowing Hartford bureaucrats to dictate what happens in local towns that they are completely removed from, towns they are not familiar with and whom they do not represent is absurd and a complete and utter overreach of power. Where is the accountability? Where is the representation from local Planning and Zoning boards that represent 169 towns, each differing in size and with their own unique challenges? It is time for transparency and for the state legislature to start listening to ALL those who sent them to Hartford.
Aimee Berger-Girvalo, Will Haskell, and Ken Gucker voted for HB 6107. Please contact them to express your disappointment with their vote.
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