On Monday there is a CT Planning and Development hearing scheduled on HB 5429: An Act Concerning Transit Oriented Development.
The hearing starts at 10:00am.
Anyone interested in testifying should register to testify before the Planning & Development Committee of the General Assembly via Zoom. Register Here: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_LiKRMUu9Q2CSJyTOezby8A The deadline to register is, Sunday, at 3:00pm.
On Monday, you can also watch the hearing on YouTube Live.
The “Order of Speakers” will be published online. Officials go first and that may take up to an hour or more. Then, members of the public go next chosen by lottery. Your speaker number will give you a sense for about what time. Each speaker gets 3 min, so every 20 speakers is about 1 hour. Find the list here: https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/menu/CommDocList.asp?comm_code=pd&doc_type=tmy
| H.B. No. 5429 (RAISED) AN ACT CONCERNING TRANSIT-ORIENTED DEVELOPMENT. If passed, this would create “right of way” density housing development for developers to circumvent local zoning laws if they are establishing housing in the vicinity of bus or train stations. |
The full bill is available to read here: https://www.cga.ct.gov/2022/TOB/H/PDF/2022HB-05429-R00-HB.PDF
Testimony of Fred Camillo on HB 5429 – March 2022
I am here today to strongly oppose HB 5429, AN ACT CONCERNING TRANSIT-ORIENTED DEVELOPMENT. In addition to trying impose a Hartford ” one size fits all ” approach to local communities, it is self defeating in that it will devalue homes and thus decrease revenue to the towns and ultimately, the state.
This proposal would alter the look of each area within a half mile of a downtown train station, devalue property, which is a person’s greatest asset, decrease revenue from taxation, add to congested areas, and dramatically and negatively affect the ability of local zoning boards and residents to protect the architectural consistency and integrity of their neighborhoods.
If those who speak loudly on the subject of diversity are true to their words, then why are they supporting proposals that diminish the diversity of towns, regions, and sections of towns that are diverse and what local residents support?
I am proud of my town’s longstanding efforts to provide affordable housing. My grandmother was a recipient of that commitment. I also stand with my colleagues of the Greenwich delegation, Greenwich Communities ( our local housing authority ), RTM, and other advocates who continue to strive for inclusivity and opportunity as well as local autonomy. At the end of the day, no one knows the needs of a community like those who actually live, work, and volunteer in it.
Please vote down this deleterious proposal and concentrate on pro-growth policies that our state is in dire need of in 2022.
Desegregate CT is sharing this YouTube video arguing Transit Oriented communities with 10% affordable homes will “benefit the economy, protect the environment, and improve equity and access to housing.” They are encouraging people sign up to testify in favor of the bill.
They are also sharing this video about Transit Oriented Development.