Not sure what the Planning & Zoning Commission is thinking! Based on the latest Annual Report from The Office of Policy and Management to Governor Malloy dated February 3, 2011 on the IHZ Program, “due to the difficult economic and fiscal challenges the State of CT is currently facing, OPM has suspended its review for grant applications. Furthermore, the incentive payments for those municipalities who adopt an IHZ may not be available.” (OPM - which governs the Incentive Housing Zone and has the final approval for a municipality to adopt an IHZ.) Keep Oxford Green (KOG) checked with Dimple Desai, Community Development Director - OPM, on Wednesday, August 3, 2011, and OPM is currently not accepting applications from municipalities who want to adopt an IHZ. What does this mean? It means, most likely, that seven months of work and expense of planning for the IHZ cannot be used. If OPM does not accept an application, then P&Z cannot start adopting IHZ Regulations; at a minimum, the application must be accepted for review/approval by OPM. OPM is not accepting applications at this time and does not have any plans to accept them. More time wasted.
KOG’s Alternatives
KOG has come up with numerous alternatives and suggestions that fit with Oxford’s Plan of Conservation by amending our current Affordable Housing Regulations to comply with the State mandate to provide for affordable houses.
Find out what's happening in Oxfordfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
KOG recommends that we adopt regulations similar to our neighbor, Salisbury:
Habitat for Humanity of Northwest CT - works with volunteers to promote home ownership by building houses in partnership with residents in need of adequate housing.
Find out what's happening in Oxfordfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Salisbury Housing Community (SHC) - oversees 24 units of low income rental housing.
Salisbury Housing Trust - build single family 2 and 3 bedroom homes which will be priced to sell below the current median home sales prices. They have built 10 homes to date and serve those who work, reside, or volunteer in Salisbury.
HousingUs Accessory Apartment Program (ADU’s) - assists homeowners through the process of creating an apartment in their homes or on their property - from design to permitting and tenant selection.
Salisbury is located in Litchfield County in the Northwest corner of CT, with a population of 3986, land area 57.3 square miles and a population density of 70 people per square mile.
ON THE LIGHTER SIDE ……
KOG’s Idea of High Density Housing for Oxford (see pictures)
Single Family Nest!
Note: 10 Robin Nests at various stages of production
