Don Poland urges Connecticut planners to align zoning with market realities

Don Poland, a planner with Gomen York Property Advisors, told the CROG Regional Planning Commission that town plans and zoning must reflect real market constraints if communities want development proposals that are feasible.

Poland told commissioners that the plan of conservation and development (POCD) is the right place to discuss desired uses and the extent to which the local market can support them. "Housing is economic development. Housing is where jobs go at night," he said, arguing that communities should match aspirations to market realities rather than treating zoning as the moment to resolve use debates.

Why it matters: Poland said market feasibility—whether enough demand exists—and financial feasibility—whether a project can attract equity or debt—drive whether a proposal will be built. He warned that permitting processes that route most projects through public hearings can…