Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Affordable Housing topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Planning Commission opens discussion on affordable housing goals and Army Engine Plant redevelopment
Summary
Commissioners discussed Stratford's affordable‑housing ratio (6.34%), options under Connecticut statute 8‑30g, and planning for the Army Engine Plant site; staff recommended consultant analysis and engagement with the housing partnership to develop inclusionary or moratorium strategies.
The Stratford Planning Commission spent the latter portion of its June 16 meeting on affordable housing policy and preliminary expectations for redevelopment of the Army Engine Plant property.
Planning staff reported Stratford’s current affordability ratio at 6.34 percent, below the 10 percent threshold that would exempt the town from Connecticut General Statutes Section 8‑30g. Staff said reaching the 10 percent threshold would require roughly 1,000 deed‑restricted units, while a moratorium option would require approximately 433 deed‑restricted units.
Staff and commissioners discussed inclusionary zoning as a tool to secure deed‑restricted units from private development but cautioned that mandatory requirements can affect project financing and market feasibility. Staff recommended using a consultant‑led market assessment and continuing work with the municipal housing partnership before adopting binding local inclusionary requirements.
Chair Joe Garrics said the town should articulate expectations for developers of the Army Engine Plant—now described as a large, potentially mixed‑use redevelopment that could include residential—and ensure public benefits are prioritized alongside private returns. Commissioners agreed to continued coordination with the housing partnership and to invite the partnership’s chair or materials to future meetings.
Staff emphasized that the housing growth fund referenced in state legislation currently has no allocated money, and that many procedural decisions will depend on further guidance and market analysis.
