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South Windsor commission hears affordable-housing update, sets meeting dates and elects officers
Summary
At its regular meeting the Housing and Fair Rent Commission heard a planner update that two approved subdivisions should generate about $100,000–$120,000 for a new housing trust fund, learned of a June 23 public hearing to allow housing in commercial zones, nominated officers and set two 2026 meeting dates at 6 p.m.
Members of South Windsor’s Housing and Fair Rent Commission heard updates on Tuesday about new affordable-housing activity, agreed on two 2026 meeting dates and completed officer nominations.
The town planner told the commission that two recently approved subdivision projects will trigger inclusionary-zoning fees and “will generate somewhere in the order of a 100 to $120,000” for the town’s housing trust fund, roughly $15,000 per lot under the current formula. The planner said the funds are expected only once certificates of occupancy are issued and that the commission will later decide how to prioritize use of those funds.
The planner also reported ongoing work with the Capital Region Council of Governments to evaluate town housing-authority properties for higher-density redevelopment and said the town has scheduled a public hearing on June 23 to implement a change that would more easily allow housing in commercial areas, with an affordability component attached.
“I gave you a presentation in September,” the planner said, summarizing progress: “We have 2 projects that have been approved since I talked to you in September that will generate somewhere in the order of a 100 to $120,000 in money when the certificate of occupancies ultimately get issued on these particular subdivision developments.” (Planner, first referenced by role.)
The commission also heard about current projects that include an assisted-housing development on Deming Street and a 50-unit senior project on Foster Street that will include eight affordable units. Members discussed longer-term obligations under a new state law that will require towns to create updated housing-growth plans and noted the local affordable-housing plan remains valid through 2027.
Outside counsel introduced himself during the meeting. “I’m Brian LeClere. I’m your new town attorney,” he said, offering to advise the commission on hearings, statutory requirements and procedural issues.
On organizational business the commission opened nominations. Members nominated Sean to serve as chair; nominations were closed and members signaled assent for him to preside. Deborah (Debbie) Gardette was nominated and seconded for secretary and was elected unanimously by those present.
The commission voted to set two meeting dates for 2026: Tuesday, Sept. 8 at 6 p.m. (moved from the Labor Day week) and Monday, Dec. 21 at 6 p.m. Members agreed that regular meetings should be scheduled for 6 p.m. where possible to avoid conflicts with town council meetings, which typically begin at 7 p.m.
The town attorney recited the ordinance establishing the commission (Ordinance 2-42), reminding members that their duties include promoting affordable housing, developing recommendations for town bodies, acting as a clearinghouse for funding and hearing written tenant complaints. Members discussed operational items such as staggered terms, website information on how to join waiting lists, and examples of how other towns structure housing trust funds.
The chair declared the meeting adjourned after confirming there were no hearings on the agenda. The commission will discuss prioritizing trust-fund uses and coordinating with planning and the housing authority at future meetings.
