Sarah Opdahl

At their Tuesday, June 3 meeting, New Fairfield’s Housing Opportunities Committee (HOC) discussed how best to increase their public awareness campaign. The group previously created a “road show” that articulates the work their committee has engaged in over the last few years, their current work with the New Fairfield Housing Trust, and ways that the public can get involved with affordable housing efforts.

Chair Ms. Anita Brown said, “what we are trying to do is for the public good,” encouraging fellow members to attend upcoming Housing Trust meetings. The group also agreed on the  need for more social media presence regarding all of their efforts. Brown suggested that subcommittees of approximately two members be created to share each piece of the campaign to help move their efforts forward.  “I feel like we have gotten [through] phase one, which is basically our Housing Affordability Plan, which was really big…everyone really pitched in and did amazing work to get to that place. I think it just speaks so well to our town that it was adopted unanimously. And so now we are in that second phase, so I am thinking at this point, this is why we want to move forward with these items.” Brown stated that she is continuing to watch for information on the rewriting of Zoning regulations. She also wrote a piece for the Town Hall Newsletter and will write a piece for the Town Tribune.

The HOC  agreed that keeping up with the state legislature regarding housing is also important. There was some, but not an acute, awareness regarding the recent passage of Housing Bill 5002, which has not yet been, but is highly anticipated to be, signed into law. The law would be heavily impactful to CT towns and, for many, is expected to usher in higher housing density regulations, a potential increase in lawsuits from developers,  lower priority for state funding for towns who opt out, and more. There is heavy opposition from many Town leaders who are resisting the removal of local control. The bill’s proponents see it as a solution to tackling the state’s housing crisis. It was noted that Inland Wetlands had a new applicant at their last meeting to build 24 affordable housing units off Milltown Road in the Coolidge/Hoover area.

Brown shared that the “road shows” are continuing with a variety of groups in Town, such as the Zoning Commission and “Old Enough to Know Better” at St. Edwards.  Ms. Kathy Hull shared about a recent presentation to the Community Service Club, which was well received. 

The HOC will skip its typical July meeting, but members agreed that if they hold their August meeting in person they will promote it as an open house.

The next regular Housing Opportunities Commission meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, August 5, 7:30 p.m.