March 20, 2015

Eminent Domain in Connecticut

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In an effort to keep you informed, I wanted to talk to you about HB 6851, which would create a Connecticut Transit Corridor Development Authority (TCDA) for the purposes of transit-oriented development around rail and bus stations. This bill would take control away from towns and cities, and instead, place local decision-making authority on large tracts of property in the hands of a board of state-level appointees. Anyone who owns property anywhere within half a mile of a rail or bus station would be vulnerable to the threat of eminent domain. HB 6851 would have significant consequences for most municipalities in Connecticut if it passes as written. The purpose of HB 6851 is: to promote transit-oriented development (TOD). TOD encourages the use of public transit and makes it easily accessible to people who do not drive. TOD is a favorable concept to many communities, but under HB 6851 these communities must accept that their concepts could instead be pursued by a group of political appointees, without any requirement for local approval. More details regarding HB 6851:

It creates a quasi-public entity called the Connecticut Transit Corridor Development Authority (TCDA) that would be run by a board of 11 voting members, including seven political appointees and four state agency commissioners.
It allows the TCDA to promote TOD in TCDA districts, which include all properties within a half-mile radius of a rail or bus station.
It gives the TCDA board eminent domain powers within TCDA districts.
It requires the TCDA board to consult with the chief elected official of a municipality where development is taking place, but does not require the board to obtain his or her approval for anything. Nor does it require the TCDA board to consult with or obtain approvals from any local legislative bodies, boards, or commissions.
It gives the TCDA the authority to issue its own bonds, financed by revenues collected through fees and rents, as well as state taxes.

HB 6851 now awaits consideration from the legislature’s Planning and Development Committee. The administration’s proposal of the bill raises several questions about its intent, namely, the state’s role in local government, as it would negatively affect Connecticut residents in every town and city. If you have additional questions, please contact my office at vin.candelora@housegop.ct.gov.