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Danbury hearing exposes split over City and Town Development Act resolution and charter referendum language
Summary
At a Danbury public hearing residents debated a proposed resolution on the Connecticut City and Town Development Act: one speaker opposed language that would bypass the city charter's referendum requirement for bonds over $3,000,000, while another urged use of the tool for commercial economic development.
Residents offered contrasting views during a public hearing on a proposed resolution concerning the Connecticut City and Town Development Act.
Robert Millo, who identified himself at the microphone and gave a Danbury address, said one provision of the resolution would "set aside the city charter" by removing the requirement that bonds above $3,000,000 go before a public referendum. "I was not, I am not in support of that aspect of this resolution," Millo said, asking the council to note his opposition on the record.
Ken Gucker spoke in favor of the resolution, describing it as a "pass-through bonding" tool used by other Connecticut municipalities to spur economic development, especially commercial projects. Gucker cited an example involving a project he called "Danbury Proton," saying the city might recognize a $250,000 upfront expense under such an arrangement and that the approach could be preferable to a seven-year tax abatement for residential developers.
President Peter Bizaid noted the hearing's purpose was public comment; council members did not engage with speakers during the session. No formal council vote on the resolution was recorded at the hearing. The chair closed the public hearing by voice vote and adjourned the meeting.
