Legislative ‘Reset’ of HB 5002 Strikes Fair Share Provision, Takes on Regional Focus as Lawmakers Head Into Special Session

Editor’s Note: This story by Karla Ciaglo was originally published Nov. 10 on CTNewsJunkie.com. Both CTNewsJunkie.com and LymeLine.com are members of the national Local Independent Online News organization.

EAST HARTFORD—With the average rent in Connecticut near $1,975, a new poll from the Regional Plan Association found that nine in ten residents believe Connecticut is “not doing enough” to expand affordable housing. Nearly as many blame outdated zoning rules and infrastructure limits for the problem.

With a special legislative session scheduled this week to pass a bill aimed at addressing the issue, Gov. Ned Lamont, legislative leaders, and a coalition of local officials gathered in East Hartford to unveil what they called a reset: a bipartisan housing proposal that replaces the mandates of the vetoed House Bill 5002 with incentives, infrastructure investment, and regional planning.

“This is a very important bill that gives people the incentives,” Lamont said. “They know the state is going to be there as their partner when it comes to sewer and water, higher reimbursement on schools, more rail train stations — doing everything we can to help build the housing we need.”

The measure keeps key features of the earlier proposal while answering the loudest objections from small-town officials …

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