By Sarah Opdahl

On Tuesday, December 3, New Fairfield’s Housing Opportunities Committee (HOC) met to discuss planning for virtual and in-person Open Houses with the New Fairfield Housing Trust (Trust). After deliberating over potential dates, members agreed on Tuesday, January 7 for the virtual event, which will take the place of the regular HOC meeting, and Saturday, January 25 for the in-person Open House, which will lik ely be held at the Senior Center.

At the Open Houses, Trust Chair Ms. Maureen Salerno will share the group’s history and hopes fo r the future, provide a brief summary of the Housing Affordability Plan will be given, share a short video on successful affordable housing projects in L itchfield County, and will highlight how the two groups plan to work together. The Open Houses will convey the many ways people can contribute to affordable housing efforts, which may include volunteering, donating funds, joining a committee, or simply supporting the mission.

In addition to promoting an open invitation to the events on social media, in the Town Tribune, in the Town newsletter, and with posted flyers, HOC members will reach out to local community groups, other boards and committees, and their network of New Fairfield connections to encourage attendance.

HOC members approved a motion to extend the contract of consultant Ms. Jocelyn Ayer, who worked closely with the group to craft the Housing Affordability Plan. Chair Ms. Anita Brown stressed, “she’s been so great as an advisor,” and recounted the many ways she has helped and been available for any questions. Brown gave an overview of budget requests, explaining that the finances will largely mimic the previous year.

All HOC members were encouraged to review the Freedom of Information Act training that is available on the Town’s website. It was noted, in the Zoom training, that there is  a lot of information about logistics and the importance of adhering to the rules on notices and more. There was also guidance on boundary issues in communication among boards and committee members and with the public.

Brown explained that she will attend  as many special Zoning meetings as possible as the Zoning regulation rewrites continue to be shaped. The consultant they are working with is now in the fine-tuning phase. She will also be tuned into next steps for the Planning Commission, which is  hard at work following the passage of the Plan of Conserv ation and Development.