Connecticut House Bill HB06648

Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/29/19
• Refer: 1/29/19

Caption

An Act Concerning Urban Park And Open Space Used For School Construction Purposes.

Impact

The bill's proposed changes to the general statutes would encourage more public discussion surrounding the conversion of urban spaces into school sites. By establishing a requirement for replacement parks, it seeks to mitigate the impact on local communities that could face diminished recreational space as a result of school construction. This initiative is particularly relevant in urban areas where parks provide crucial green space amidst denser populations.

Summary

House Bill 6648, introduced by Representative Simms, focuses on the protection of urban parks and open spaces when they are repurposed for school construction. The bill mandates that any urban park or open space converted for such purposes must have a replacement site identified within a half-mile radius. This measure aims to ensure that communities do not lose access to essential green spaces without consideration for alternative locations that may serve the same recreational or environmental purposes.

Contention

Though the bill aims to safeguard urban green spaces, it may face opposition from factions that prioritize school development and funding. Proponents of robust educational infrastructure might argue that the bill could impede timely school construction projects, potentially leading to delays in providing necessary educational facilities. Additionally, the requirement for a public discussion could be seen by some as an unnecessary bureaucratic hurdle that complicates an already challenging process of adapting urban land for community needs.