Camillo: Seeking Local Solutions for Affordable Housing, Not State Mandates

Submitted by Greenwich First Selectman Fred Camillo

With the end of the most recent legislative session, we saw success in stopping bad legislation aimed at eroding local control of zoning. These proposed bills would not have resolved the lack of affordable housing in Connecticut. There is no question that affordable housing is of vital interest to support the economy in Connecticut. We just seek local solutions to address this issue, not state mandates.  We also know that the effort to stop such legislation and protect local infrastructure, schools and the environment will need to continue as there will be an  ongoing effort to push state mandated zoning legislation in future sessions. Our mission will continue to endeavor to protect local autonomy as well as to continue to strive to attain the 10% affordable housing mandate.

In Greenwich, residents have been working hard with local and state leaders to coordinate efforts on presenting a unified and compelling case for retaining and expanding local control of zoning, including testifying on several bills that were introduced at the Capitol this session. These overreaching bills sought to undermine local say in beach access policy, carve up real estate lots within a 1/2 mile of train stations, and prohibit local zoning boards from having the ability to stop over development that will have profound effects on our town. Our efforts prevailed. 

Now, as we look ahead, I am continuing to work with the aforementioned local advocates, our local housing authority, our state delegation in Hartford, state officials, and statewide groups that are organized to protect municipal authority and ensure that we not only defend local rights, but advance and expand the ability to set local policy in each municipality, not in Hartford. 

We are focused on legislative fixes, including amending state statute 8-30g to expand the definition of what is considered affordable.  In existence for over 30 years, 8-30g allows developers to ignore accepted planning and zoning regulations and distorts the ability for individuals to build any equity in ownership through the development of deed-restricted rentals. This limits what individuals are truly seeking, which is home ownership.

We are also working with Greenwich Communities (our local housing authority) to continue working toward attainment of the 10% affordable housing mandate goal. I salute them for their efforts, and for their support of local solutions and not one size fits all state mandates. Board Chair Sam Romeo,  Executive Director Tony Johnson, and Greenwich Communities commissioners are proving that the best results for municipalities are the ones that are conceived of and delivered by those who know the town best—our local residents.

Local control supporters have also retained the services of a lobbyist at the Capitol, so that we are not continuing to be out manned during legislative session and will do so for the foreseeable future as developer-backed organizations such as DeSegregate CT have several lobbyists already in place. This is an imbalance that needs to be, and will be, corrected.

Lastly, I sent  a letter to the Connecticut Attorney General that asks his office to initiate an action on behalf of the state to preserve and protect historic structures as natural resources of the state in accordance with Title 22a of the Connecticut General Statutes.

Thanks again to all who continue to stand for local solutions, control, and progress.

Sincerely,

Fred Camillo

First Selectman