Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Cmda Certification topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Avon pursues CMDA certification; development district to be proposed for downtown
Summary
A guest presentation to Avon’s Affordable Housing Task Force outlined a plan to seek CT Municipal Development Authority certification and proposed a development district covering the Avon Village Center and 20 Security Drive to unlock technical and financial assistance for downtown housing and infrastructure.
David Kooris, guest speaker and representative of the CT Municipal Development Authority, told the Affordable Housing Task Force that CMDA was created by a 2019 bill and did not begin operating until 2024. He said the authority’s statutory purpose is to help municipalities meet housing objectives in downtowns and near transit stations and that Avon has opted in alongside 27 other Connecticut towns.
"CMDA lends technical assistance and/or financial support to their partner municipalities and their projects for development or redevelopment," Kooris said, explaining the authority reviews local zoning for certification and forwards recommended changes to zoning commissions when necessary. He added that CMDA is governed by a seven‑member board made up of the Governor’s cabinet and that one Avon Task Force member, Kiley Gosselin, serves on that board.
Kooris said the review of Avon’s zoning is complete and that "some zones will be certified as is and some zones have recommendations." He said a development district boundary covering the Avon Village Center (AVC) and 20 Security Drive (Avon Park South) will be proposed to the CMDA board next week. If certified, the town or a developer could apply to CMDA for financial assistance for eligible infrastructure projects located in the district, and CMDA would aim to streamline permitting across state and local review processes.
Task Force Chair Christine Graesser said she will include the CMDA material in the report the Task Force is preparing for the Town Council. No formal vote or decision on the proposed district was taken at the meeting; next steps identified were the CMDA board review and the Task Force’s forthcoming report to the Council.
