Connecticut House Bill HB05269

Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/14/19
• Refer: 1/14/19

Caption

An Act Repealing Certain Legislation Concerning Affordable Housing Land Use Appeals.

Impact

The implications of HB 05269 on state laws hinge on its effect on how affordable housing projects are managed at local levels. Repealing the changes made by public act 17-170 is expected to create a more flexible environment for developers aiming to establish affordable housing units. This simplification may foster a better alignment between local regulations and developers' operational needs, potentially increasing the pace and volume of affordable housing projects initiated within the jurisdiction since it could eliminate perceived barriers to entry.

Summary

House Bill 05269 seeks to repeal certain existing legislation concerning affordable housing land use appeals established by public act 17-170. The intention behind this bill is straightforward: to remove the modifications imposed by the previous legislation that may have complicated or undermined the appeal processes centralized around land use for affordable housing projects. By enacting this repeal, the bill aims to restore the prior procedures related to affordable housing land use appeals and enhance local planning and development responses.

Contention

Notably, the repeal does raise concerns among various stakeholders. Proponents of the original public act argue that the modifications included essential safeguards to ensure accountability and public interest in land use decisions affecting affordable housing. Critics of the repeal, therefore, view HB 05269 as a step backward, fearing it could lead to a decline in oversight, potentially enabling developments without sufficient consideration of community needs or environmental impacts. This topic may spark a broader debate about the balance between regulatory oversight and facilitating housing development.