Connecticut House Bill HB05341

Connecticut 2016 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/18/16
• Refer: 2/18/16

Caption

An Act Concerning The Affordable Housing Land Use Appeals Procedure.

Impact

The bill proposes to amend existing statutes, particularly sections regarding the eligibility criteria for appealing decisions related to affordable housing. By tightening the appeals process, the bill may potentially limit the options available to developers, who could argue that local decisions hinder the creation of affordable housing units. Encouraging local municipalities to develop housing policies, while limiting appeals, represents a shift towards promoting local governance while also aiming to meet state-level affordable housing goals.

Summary

House Bill 05341 aims to modify the land use appeal process specifically concerning affordable housing projects. The bill intends to reduce the ability of affordable housing developers to appeal a municipality's denial of housing projects while expanding the criteria that would allow municipalities to qualify for an affordable housing moratorium. This change is significant as it targets the balance between local control and the need for affordable housing developments in Connecticut.

Contention

Key points of contention surrounding HB05341 include concerns from advocates of affordable housing who argue that limiting appeals could effectively mute necessary voices in opposition to poorly conceived housing projects. Proponents of the bill believe that it will expedite the development of affordable housing by reducing bureaucracy and enabling municipalities to focus more on their local housing strategies. Nonetheless, critics warn that the bill's restrictions could exacerbate the housing crisis by undermining the checks and balances that protect community interests.