Submitted by Adele Rota, Greenwich
It seems that the Greenwich Democrats in Hartford would rather walk in lockstep with their party than to follow the will and best interests of their constituents both Democrat and Republican when it comes to HB 5002, having to do with low and affordable housing.
This was a rather benign bill until Wednesday May 22, 2025, when literally in the dead of night the Democrats significantly changed the bill (adding 92 pages) which then became LC904. It essentially eliminates any local input regarding low income and affordable housing, rather all locales must follow dictates and edicts from Hartford within their jurisdictions. As if that weren’t enough they called for a vote within 24 hours; if this is something good for our towns, cities and our State, why the rush and why we’re absolutely no public hearings allowed? More can be found on this in local news articles.
Fortunately the vote was postponed, but it could come up again as soon as Tuesday May 27, 2025.
Let me be clear, I recognize the need for and support low income and affordable housing and in Town. What I and many, many others (of both parties ) vehemently oppose is the complete loss of home rule and any local input on this housing within the jurisdiction of our town.
Rather than ram through a bill without adequate time for review and comment, why not focus on correcting seriously flawed existing legislation 8-30g? That law mandates towns must accept affordable housing projects and existing zoning regulations do not have to be followed among many other objectionable provisions.
To make matters even worse, our own Democratic representatives Stephen Meskers and Hector Arzeno, authored two provisions of this new draft legislation; specifically directed at removing home rule on these important issues that will shape our community for years to come.
What can we do? As we celebrate Memorial Day and honor our ancestors and all the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice, please take two minutes to contact or representatives and let them know you oppose HB5002/LCO8974.
[email protected]
800 842 8267
[email protected]
800 240 8585