Connecticut House Bill HB06128

Connecticut 2015 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/22/15
• Refer: 1/22/15

Caption

An Act Concerning Revisions To The Affordable Housing Land Use Appeals Act.

Impact

This legislation seeks to streamline the approval process for municipalities actively working to increase their affordable housing stock. By providing points for older housing units and maintaining deed restrictions in perpetuity, the bill is designed to incentivize local governments to enhance their affordable housing plans, ultimately leading to improved housing availability. It also prohibits set-aside developments in flood zones, aligning housing development with environmental safety and sustainability goals.

Summary

House Bill 6128, titled 'An Act Concerning Revisions to the Affordable Housing Land Use Appeals Act', focuses on improving the state's affordable housing policies. The bill proposes amendments to section 8-30g of the general statutes, particularly emphasizing the criteria for awarding housing unit-equivalent points to municipalities based on their affordable housing initiatives. It aims to ensure that elderly housing units targeting low-income families, specifically those earning less than or equal to eighty percent of the median income, are adequately recognized within the state's housing framework.

Contention

Key points of contention regarding HB 6128 may arise around the feasibility of enforcing these criteria, particularly in how municipalities balance new developments with existing environmental concerns. Some stakeholders might argue that the inclusion of specific income thresholds could lead to limitations on housing diversity, while others could lobby against the prohibition of developments in flood zones as overly restrictive. The bill represents a pivotal step in how lawmakers view affordable housing and their role in shaping community development and land use rights.