Piscopo: Housing Bill Undermines Local Authority and Shuts Out Public Input
Key Takeaways
- Piscopo warns the housing bill overrides municipal zoning authority.
- Bill would reduce local oversight of development approvals.
- Measure shuts out community input on neighborhood projects.
- Lawmakers urged to restore local control and transparency.
HARTFORD - Rep. John Piscopo (R-76) expressed deep disappointment following the outcome of Wednesday’s Housing Bill debate, citing both procedural concerns and the bill’s long-term impact on local communities.
“The special session began on the wrong foot,” Piscopo said. “I had to raise multiple points of parliamentary inquiry because we were missing a required fiscal note, and the Majority even attempted to limit debate about how this bill was crafted. To be frank, House Republican input was almost nonexistent. After the Governor vetoed the original legislation, most of the negotiations happened behind closed doors between the Governor and Democratic caucuses.”
The bill ultimately passed on a 90–56 vote.
According to Piscopo, the consequences for the towns of Litchfield, Thomaston, Harwinton, and Burlington are clear: a significant loss of local control. Under the new legislation, major development decisions will be transferred to regional councils of governments, the state Office of Policy and Management, and a newly created commission made up of political appointees.
“Our towns’ futures are increasingly being shaped by state bureaucrats rather than the people who live and work in these communities,” Piscopo said. “This is not the transparent, accountable process residents deserve.”
Rep. Piscopo reaffirmed his commitment to advocating for local autonomy and ensuring the voices of 76th District residents remain central in decisions that affect their communities.
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