The recent public hearing held by the Planning and Zoning Commission focused on application 2416, submitted by Attorney Dominic Thomas on behalf of Daybreak Ridge LLC. The application seeks a text amendment to the zoning regulations concerning affordable housing under Connecticut General Statute 8-30g. This amendment is intended to facilitate the development of affordable housing in areas currently surrounded by residential zones.

Attorney Thomas explained that the application was filed in conjunction with a second application, 2417, which pertains to a specific project. He emphasized that the proposed text amendment is necessary to allow for the filing of an 8-30g application on a property at 85 River Road, which has previously been deemed ineligible for a Planned Development District (PDD) due to its residential surroundings.

The discussion highlighted the implications of a recent Supreme Court ruling in the case of 121 Beach Road LLC versus the Planning and Zoning Commission of Fairfield. This ruling clarified that zoning changes related to 8-30g applications must be limited to specific parcels rather than entire zones. Thomas argued that the proposed text amendment would create a vehicle for affordable housing applications in residentially zoned areas, aligning with the court's decision.

Commissioners raised concerns about the potential for increased density and the implications for community planning. They questioned why the commission should facilitate a process that could lead to more housing density in areas previously deemed unsuitable. Thomas countered that the region faces a significant housing shortage, and the amendment would help address this issue by allowing for more housing options.

The commission ultimately decided to continue the public hearing, allowing for further consultation with legal counsel regarding the implications of the proposed text amendment and its relationship to the concurrent application. The outcome of this hearing could significantly impact future affordable housing developments in the area, reflecting ongoing tensions between community planning goals and state mandates for affordable housing.