Town planners and commission discuss state housing growth plans, coordination and 8-30G implications

Jeffrey Kennedy, chair of the Woodbridge Town Plan and Zone Commission, and Michael (the town planner) met with the Woodbridge Housing Commission to outline how recent state housing legislation will require new coordination among local boards and to offer steps the commission can take now.

"So, my name is Jeff Kennedy. I'm the chair of the Woodbridge Town Plane and Zone Commission," Kennedy said after being introduced and described the state law (referred to in the meeting as Public Act 25-01) as pushing towns to develop coordinated housing-growth plans and to sign off across multiple bodies.

Kennedy and Michael explained the process Kennedy said will begin with the state Office of Policy and Management (OPM) issuing guidance, followed by regional councils of governments (COGs/SCROG) receiving targets and apportioning them to member towns. Michael summarized that "the state is going to say here's how we're going to develop this overall plan statewide," and that towns can either accept a regional allocation or prepare and justify a municipal alternative to OPM.

Commissioners focused on practical questions: What role should the Housing Commission play; how should TPZ and board of selectmen (the local chief executive equivalent in Woodbridge's government form) coordinate sign-off; and what outreach will be required to make the public discussion productive. Kennedy proposed forming a working group of representatives from TPZ, conservation, wetlands, economic development and housing to exchange technical input and return recommendations to each board while avoiding FOI quorums.

Michael cautioned that some elements remain unclear until OPM issues more detailed guidelines but stressed the new plans will require towns to demonstrate measurable progress — not merely shelve a plan. On moratoria under 8-30G, Michael said eligibility is difficult for small towns because a municipality must actually construct a substantial number of restricted units before qualifying for a temporary moratorium; "to even get to a formula ... you're still going to have to figure out how to get many, many dozens of units on the books," he said.

Commissioners also reviewed practical models. David reported on a May tour of three Connecticut affordable projects — Ferry Crossing (Old Saybrook), a converted loft project in Essex/Centerbrook, and a development in Madison — noting attractive, low-profile designs, long timelines and high per-unit costs. David said one example took about seven years to develop and that he was told per-unit costs approached $500,000.

The commission discussed accessory dwelling units (ADUs), public confusion about their likely scale, and the need for careful education so residents understand what the statutes do and do not allow. Kennedy invited the housing commission to present formal proposals and correspondence to TPZ, saying, "You can also contact [staff] and ask you put on our agenda ... A two or three pager type thing. Send it over. Have one of your people come over and discuss it. You know you'll have a warm welcoming environment." The commission agreed to continue the conversation at a July work session and to wait for the next round of OPM guidelines, expected within weeks.

At the meeting start, commissioners voted unanimously to move agenda item 7 and to approve the May minutes; those procedural motions were carried without dissent. The commission closed by scheduling further coordination with economic development and conservation staff and by planning public education sessions once the OPM guidance clarifies required plan components.

The commission's immediate next steps are informal: monitor OPM guidance, consider a cross-board working group to coordinate technical work, and prepare clear public-facing materials to explain the choice between accepting a regional allocation or pursuing a municipal plan.