Avon task force sets March forum to explain housing rules, invite resident stories

The Affordable Housing Task Force of the Town of Avon scheduled a public forum for March 27, 2025, at 7 p.m. in the Avon Library Community Room to give residents an overview of the town’s housing history, current zoning and the development process. Chair Christine Graesser said the event is intended to “bring Avon residents up to speed with what is going on in Town.”

Members discussed how the forum should be structured. Options included a factual panel followed by questions, a "fish bowl" format that places experts in the center with the audience responding, and pre-recorded video profiles to reduce the need for in-person testimony. Chelsea Ross recommended careful question design to avoid isolating participants and offered to help prepare questions; Hiram Peck urged the organizers to provide factual answers at the meeting or promise follow-up when information is not immediately available. The Task Force asked members to send forum-structure suggestions by e-mail and invited volunteers to join a forum subcommittee. The group also discussed compensating in-person participants and conducting follow-up events if needed.