State Rep. Allie-Brennan Collaborates On Local Zoning Protections

**News Release Submitted by Office of State Rep. Raghib Allie-Brennan**

May 3, 2024

Today, State Representative Raghib Allie-Brennan (D-Bethel) took to the House floor to speak on House Bill 5390 An Act Concerning Transit-Oriented Communities and to address the pressing need for affordable housing in the state of Connecticut, while emphasizing the importance of protecting local zoning decisions and the voices of towns like Bethel.

"As a young adult in their thirties, I understand firsthand the desire to own a home and the frustration when that dream feels out of reach," said Representative Allie-Brennan. "Affordable housing is a real need in the state of Connecticut, and it's imperative that we address it while safeguarding the autonomy of our local communities."

Representative Allie-Brennan commended Bethel for its proactive stance in addressing affordable housing needs but highlighted the challenges many towns face in meeting certain mandates, such as the 10% threshold required by housing law 8-30g.

"We must ensure that towns like Bethel, which are working in good faith to address this issue, are not unfairly burdened," continued Representative Allie-Brennan. "I applaud the proponents of this bill for their collaboration with myself and members of the moderate caucus to protect local zoning decisions."

Allie-Brennan’s changes to the legislation seek to strike a balance between addressing the housing crisis and respecting local autonomy. They include provisions to grandfather towns with established transit-oriented districts, like Bethel, under existing zoning regulations and prevent arbitrary decisions that could impact local communities. Additionally, Representative Allie- Brennan negotiated language that puts safeguards in place to prevent arbitrary decisions by the Office of Policy Management in designating a town as a transit-oriented community.

"As a representative of Bethel and Danbury, as well as a member of the moderate caucus, I have a seat at the table and a voice in the room and I will vote in favor of the bill," stated Representative Allie-Brennan.

"As a town planner, I commend State Rep Allie Brennan for championing Bethel's voice and ensuring our community's needs are heard and protected," stated Beth Cavagna, Bethel Town Planner.

"I would like to thank Representative Allie-Brennan and his colleagues for working to ensure that this legislation keeps community decision making where it belongs -- in the community," stated, Francis R. Pickering, Executive Director of Western Connecticut Council of Governments.