“It is absolutely vital that the commission be proactively welcoming opportunities to provide housing for low and moderate income households, and not simply those who are already living or working in Greenwich, but households throughout the broader region.”
Peter Haberlandt, senior legal counsel with Open Communities AllianceHaberlandt disputed what he described as the perception that Greenwich is besieged by developers who are being abusive of 8-30g.
He said Towns have duties to be proactive to promote, with their zoning and planning, opportunities for housing for low and moderate income families in the region.
“If a town is doing what it should be with its zoning and planning, 8-30g really shouldn’t be an issue,” he said. “You shouldn’t have these situations of towns being reactive or defensive to developers.”
Second, he said the State of CT’s Appeals Act listing from 2019 says Greenwich has 25,631 total housing units and only 33 units that fall under 8-30g, or 0.12% of the housing stock.
“We can approach affordability in myriad different ways, and they don’t have to be 8-30g,” Alban said. “We see it as a very broad brush, multi-prong approach. The housing authority does some of it. And we are also seeing, as tonight, these small scale proposals that blend into communities and we’re working on regulations that will continue to encourage those.”
She noted the meeting agenda included two moderate income housing proposals and two different 8-30g proposals (4 Orchard Street and 28 Hollow Wood Lane in Pemberwick.)
Alban noted that 6.6% of the Town’s population lives below the poverty line.
“We nave not even met, in our affordability, the needs of our own population,” she continued. “But we agree with you that to attract more people, especially families, is a good idea.”
Alban said Greenwich has a significant minority population, often low income, who deserve to be accommodated. “We are seeking opportunities to do that,” she said.
“We are well aware of our responsibilities,” she added, going on to invite Mr. Haberlandt to contribute to Greenwich’s affordable housing task force.
Alban said it was understandable for residents to be concerned about development.
“We have to find the balance that grows our housing diversity and have residents feel we’re maintaining their quality of life.”
Margarita Alban, P&Z chair
She also pointed out that the price of real estate in Greenwich makes the task challenging.
P&Z is holding a public workshop at 5:00pm on Jan 14, regarding Sec. 6-110 Moderate Income Housing Regulations. (Click for link to get to Zoom .)
See also:
P&Z Considers 21-Unit 8-30g Development on Hollow Wood in Flood Zone