Jensen opposes bill stripping local zoning control  

HARTFORD – The General Assembly met in a special legislative session to take up a number of new bills, most notably an omnibus piece of legislation aimed at addressing the state's housing affordability crisis.

Unfortunately, the bill brought forward by the majority party was not something Rep. Arnold Jensen (R-Oxford) could not support. This bill was very similar to H.B. 5002 which was passed earlier this year in regular legislative session and was later vetoed by Gov. Lamont. Among the many flaws in the new bill, "An Act Concerning Housing Growth," was the usurping of local town control on housing decisions, the creation of a new statewide housing authority and the elimination of off-street parking minimums required for new housing projects with fewer than 16 units.

"Adding layers of bureaucracy and regulations does nothing but increase the cost of new housing that will further deter homebuilders from looking at Connecticut as a place to build more housing," said Rep. Jensen. "Our towns and cities should not have the state of Connecticut dictate the what, where and when of where housing is built in their communities. This bill will undoubtedly do more harm than good, and therefor I voted in opposition."

The new bill will also allow the state to create a statewide housing authority, which can then build housing on state land. This paves the way for state-owned housing projects. Municipalities will be required to approve housing projects on properties that are converted from commercial to residential without a public hearing required, another assault on local control of zoning decisions. Off-street parking requirements are also eliminated for any development project under 16 units of housing.

"It is unfortunate the majority chose to hastily pass this bill, rather than working more with residents in our towns and cities to address the need for more housing in our state. We need to work together across the aisle to come up better solutions for our residents." said Rep. Jensen.