Committee refers New Britain’s CMDA membership authorization to full council with neutral recommendation

The Committee on Planning, Zoning and Housing voted May 13 to refer to the full Common Council, with a neutral recommendation, a proposal authorizing the City of New Britain to join the Connecticut Municipal Development Authority (CMDA).

Jack Benjamin explained that CMDA is a state-authorized, opt-in quasi-public agency focused on housing and transit-oriented development around station areas. “It will open us up to grant funding specifically aimed at filling voids in capital stacks for development projects,” Benjamin told the committee.

Why it matters: committee members heard that New Britain’s zoning around transit stations and the downtown already includes densities that would allow membership without significant rezoning, and that CMDA membership could provide new financing tools and access to state-directed funds when they become available. Benjamin said CMDA’s executive director would consult with the city and that membership is voluntary.

Committee discussion and vote: members asked about current legislative funding for CMDA and its operational model; Benjamin said the authority’s initial funding covered startup operational expenses and that additional legislative appropriations could become available but specifics were not provided at the meeting. The committee moved and approved a referral to the full council with a neutral recommendation.

Next steps: the item will appear before the full Common Council for a final decision. Staff indicated they would collaborate with CMDA leadership on next steps if the city chooses to proceed.