Residents criticize timing of 30-year Church Street Commons agreement; Common CDC officials defend project

Residents and nonprofit developers sparred over process and transparency surrounding the Church Street Commons affordable housing proposal during public comment at the Nov. 6 Hebron Board of Selectmen meeting.

Toni Liberinoy, a Hebron resident, told the board she was "disappointed" that the board moved forward with a 30‑year agreement with Common CDC after the final proposal was circulated the same day it was voted on. "Entering into [a] 30 year legally binding agreement should involve thorough review and ample time for both the board and the public to understand the details and explore all options," Liberinoy said.

The concern that the vote was rushed was echoed by Susan McCustins, who said citizens were denied an opportunity to make a critical town decision and raised specific questions about the proposal's tax-abatement terms and the possible impact on Hebron school costs. McCustins cited a figure she said she heard from a Hebron Board of Education member—"the cost to educate 1 Hebron child is more than $20,000 per year"—and said that, because an affordable project typically pays reduced property taxes, she feared an increased burden on other taxpayers.

Ron Cole, vice president of Common CDC, addressed the board during public comment to outline the project and the rationale for the timetable. Cole said the town-created Housing Choices Committee recommended creating 75 new affordable units in five years and that Common CDC's proposal would place 50 of those units at 60 Church Street. He said the project has received Planning and Zoning approval and Sewer Commission approval, that the organization submitted a grant application to the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development to augment water resources, and that the organization had sought a property tax proposal consistent with state guidelines. Cole said delays could have pushed the project out of the current competitive cycle for 9% federal tax credits.

Daniel Larson, who was being recognized by the board that evening for long service, defended his support for the project, saying he believed the long-term benefits — including added sewer users, local spending, and potential municipal grant eligibility — would help Hebron's center.

No formal action on Church Street Commons took place at the Nov. 6 meeting; the matter was the subject of public comment and background discussion. The board did not vote on any new agreement text at this session.