News

Why everyone in CT should care about affordable housing and 8-30g

Jordan Nathaniel Fenster | CT Insider

There are affordable housing units built in towns across Connecticut, often amid controversy and despite some public outcry.

The arguments against affordable housing often center around a town’s right to self-determination, to define the look, feel and character of a community, without interference from...

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Town After Town, Residents Are Fighting Affordable Housing in Connecticut

Lisa Prevost | New York Times

In the town of Fairfield, Conn., nearly 2,400 residents have signed a petition opposing a project proposed for downtown that could bring 19 units of affordable housing.

In nearby New Canaan, homeowners have raised about $84,000 for a legal fund to fight a proposed...

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A lack of appetite for zoning reform has advocates, legislators regrouping

Ginny Monk | CT Mirror

Despite five years of advance notice that Connecticut towns would have to submit affordable housing plans by June 1, less than half of them made the deadline.

The deadline — established by a 2017 law that requires such plans every five years —marked an important...

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As affordable housing deadline approaches, Connecticut towns’ response a mix of pushback and innovation — and one allegation of perpetuating segregation

Don Stacom | Hartford Courant

Facing a state-mandated deadline of Wednesday, Connecticut communities this spring have been wrapping up work on their official plans to provide more affordable housing — even though many caution that the state’s goal isn’t practical.

As of May 23, fewer than 50 of Connecticut’s 169...

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Why advocates say CT is experiencing ‘housing crisis’

Jordan Fenster | CT Insider

Advocates believe Connecticut is in the midst of a housing crisis. They say the cost of housing at all levels is pricing out renters and potential owners who only a short time ago could afford their homes.

People are forced to move, these advocates say,...

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Group offers ideas to build affordable housing

Alex Wood | Journal Inquirer

GLASTONBURY — The town could do its share to meet the Hartford area’s affordable housing needs through measure such as allowing multifamily developments on lots now limited to single-family homes, using town-owned land for multifamily housing, and allowing redevelopment of underused office buildings as apartments.

...
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‘Ambitious’ Housing Bill Gets a Second Chance in Connecticut Legislature

Cate Hewitt | CT Examiner

After dying in committee last year, the “Fair Share” affordable housing bill is heading to the floor of the Connecticut General Assembly for a vote after receiving the approval of the state’s Housing Committee earlier in March.

The law, if passed, would supplement the state’s...

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Zoning Practices in Connecticut

U.S. Commission on Civil Rights

The Connecticut Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights released an interim advisory memorandum on zoning practices in Connecticut. In December, the Committee began an investigation into whether zoning practices in Connecticut perpetuate segregation in the state.

The Committee issues this memorandum to...

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A study shows zoning impediments to multifamily housing in East Lyme and Stonington

Johana Vazquez | The Day

East Lyme and Stonington are among 12 towns across the state with zoning barriers that discourage and impede multifamily and affordable housing, according to a study released last week.

"Zoning for Equity: Examining Planning and Zoning Impediments to Housing and School Diversity" is the second...

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