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Avon Council sets May 1 public hearing on joining CT Municipal Redevelopment Authority
Summary
Council voted unanimously to set a May 1 public hearing to consider joining the CT Municipal Redevelopment Authority (MRDA), a step officials say could help fund a proposed Beacon Communities housing project at Security Drive.
The Avon Town Council voted unanimously April 3 to set a May 1 public hearing to consider adopting a resolution to join the Connecticut Municipal Redevelopment Authority (MRDA).
Town staff described a Beacon Communities proposal for Security Drive that would add about 100 new units and rehabilitate an existing 76-unit building, with at least 30% of units designated as affordable. Planning Director Hiram Peck told the council the MRDA arrangement is an opt-in program designed to provide technical planning assistance and potential state funding to stimulate housing-oriented economic development in designated areas such as the Avon Village Center and Security Drive.
Town Manager and staff said joining the MRDA would not transfer land-use control away from Avon; the Planning & Zoning Commission would retain decision-making authority. Mr. Peck said Avon would be seeking to be "first in line" to access MRDA funding as projects are evaluated. Council member Mr. Weber emphasized the local redevelopment goal: "Anything to move the development of that forward," he said, describing an intent to make 20 Security Drive useful again and to spur further Village Center progress.
The vote to set the public hearing was made by Mr. Weber and seconded by Mrs. Barthel; all five members voted in favor. The hearing on May 1 will allow public comment before the council considers a formal resolution to join the MRDA.
