Senator John McKinney Endorses DeSanctis' Affordable Housing Reforms
In 1989 the state legislature passed a law intended to create much needed affordable housing, known as Section 8-30g. Although well intended, this law has too often been used as a weapon by developers to override local zoning authority. A developer’s recent proposal for Homeland Street in the Stratfield section of Fairfield is yet another example of how this law has been misused for the benefit of a developer with no real intention to create more affordable housing.
We need thoughtful solutions to this problem, and I am happy to see that Chris DeSanctis has offered one. Chris’ plan would provide a one year moratorium to allow towns like Fairfield to create a Smart Growth Master Plan. This would give Fairfield control over its zoning laws while encouraging the development of affordable housing. In addition, Chris is advocating a change in the law to allow towns to get credit for existing housing within our town that meets affordable housing standards, despite not being deed restricted.
In the state legislature I have tried to fix 8-30g, working this past session on the Housing Committee with Rep. Brenda Kupchick. Unfortunately, those efforts have been thwarted by the majority party.
I am happy that Chris DeSanctis has offered such a thoughtful and practical solution to an important issue facing our town. We need people like Chris DeSanctis in Hartford.
Chris DeSanctis is a candidate for State Representative in Connecticut’s legislative district 133 on the eastern side of Fairfield. He works as an elementary school Principal and Adjunct Professor at Sacred Heart University. To learn more about Chris, visit his website at www.chrisdesanctis.com.
