We all support more diverse communities, and when we're talking about zoning and planning policy, we need to get it right. The process by which we approach zoning needs to be as inclusive as we want our neighborhoods across Connecticut to be.
Segregation is a serious issue and it hurts everyone: It imposes unfair burdens on minority communities even when they have the same level of education or the same income as white people. Residential segregation greatly hinders access to middle and upper-middle-class neighborhoods with good schools and appreciating home values.
On top of this, there is a national affordable housing shortage and due to this pandemic, there are millions upon millions out of work. As of July, in Ridgefield alone, nearly ten percent of our workforce is unemployed — up from three percent in January. With so many out of work and unable to pay rent or their mortgage, there is a serious mass eviction crisis looming.
I don’t know that anyone has come up with the best solution for this process, but I do know that our state tried something with the affordable housing statute (8-30g), and it failed. Ultimately, we need legislation that benefits families and our local communities — not another giveaway to big builders and developers.
We need our leaders to step up. It's important that Ridgefield has a strong voice in Hartford with a real role in the decision-making process, and as State Representative I’ll make sure we have a real seat at the table. And I’ll work hand-in-hand with First Selectman Marconi to testify on this and other types of legislation while making sure everyone in our community who wants a say, gets one. We need a leader in Hartford who will elevate our voices and fight against housing discrimination using good policy as the basis to move forward. I’ll work with local leaders and elected officials to start a meaningful and inclusive process to address segregation and come up with a community-led plan — one that’s not imposed on us by Hartford.