From State Senator Herron Gaston:
After extensive deliberation, I voted no on House Bill 5002, An Act Concerning Housing and the Rights of Homeless Persons. Let me be clear: Connecticut is in the midst of a housing crisis. The rising cost of rent, insufficient housing supply, and increasing rates of homelessness demand bold and immediate action. I fully support the goals of this legislation—expanding access, ensuring affordability, and safeguarding the rights of unhoused individuals—and I commend the Housing Committee for centering these issues.
I want to recognize that Rep. Felipe and Sen. Marx did an impeccable job negotiating a very complex, yet critical piece of legislation aimed at addressing the layered housing challenges we face across our state. As Vice Chair of the Housing Committee, I am harmoniously elated and eager to help advance comprehensive housing solutions in the sessions to come. I hold deep admiration and respect for both chairs and for their dedication to this work.
At the same time, I had to weigh the direct feedback I received from residents and leaders in Bridgeport and Stratford. Constituents, local elected officials, and members of the Bridgeport City Council raised thoughtful concerns—so much so that council members traveled to Hartford to engage directly with our delegation. Their concerns centered not around the need for housing reform, but around the way we implement it.
One key concern was the bill’s restriction on local authority to require minimum parking in new developments. While the intention—to encourage transit-oriented, sustainable housing—is one I share, the reality is that many communities like Bridgeport and Stratford still face gaps in reliable public transportation. In such contexts, limiting municipalities’ ability to require parking can lead to overflow, congestion, and increased safety risks in surrounding neighborhoods. These are not abstract problems—they are challenges residents are facing today.
Additionally, the bill’s broad zoning override provisions were not sufficiently tied to affordability requirements. That raised concerns that new development could proceed without meaningfully addressing affordability goals or protecting against displacement. My vote reflected a belief that we need stronger alignment between housing production and true affordability, especially in communities that are already doing more than their fair share.
Let me be clear: I believe we must build. I believe we must act. But we also must ensure that we do so in partnership with our communities, with adequate infrastructure planning, and with clear, enforceable affordability standards.
My vote was not a rejection of the urgency—it was a call for continued refinement and collaboration. I remain fully committed to advancing policies that increase housing opportunities while respecting the distinct needs of each community.
As Vice Chair of the Housing Committee, I look forward to working with my colleagues, advocates, and local leaders to shape the next phase of housing reform—one that is both ambitious and balanced.
Cobber’s chidden have no shoes.
Public Act 17-170 established a requirement that Connecticut municipalities adopt Affordable Housing Plans. PA 21-29 established an initial deadline of June 1, 2022 for municipalities to have adopted their first Affordable Housing Plans (an every five years thereafter). It also explicitly allows Affordable Housing Plans to be updated concurrently with Plans of Conservation and Development.
PA 21-29 established an initial deadline of June 1, 2022 for municipalities to have adopted their first Affordable Housing Plans (and every five years thereafter) as required by CGS Section 8-30j. It also explicitly allowed Affordable Housing Plans to be updated concurrently with the Plan of Conservation & Development (for one of the two five-year periods within the 10-year POCD cycle).
In 2020, the Connecticut Department of Housing announced the availability of grant funding on a first-come, first-served basis to support municipalities preparing Affordable Housing Plans. A second round of funding was announced in 2021 with an application deadline of August 31. Visit DOH’s site for full information.
In partnership with the CT Department of Housing, Regional Plan Association prepare a guidebook for municipalities preparing Affordable Housing Plans.