I would like to share with you and your readers the letter I sent to Governor Lamont requesting that he veto HB 5002:
Dear Governor Lamont,
I would like to express agreement with the bipartisan group that has contacted you and asked you to veto the perhaps well intended but grossly ill-conceived HB 5002: An Act Concerning Housing and the Needs of Homeless Persons.
I have many decades of public service in New Canaan and spent many years as Chairman of the Planning and Zoning Commission. Based upon my experience, I believe that towns can on their own build affordable housing while maintaining community character and cohesion. Indeed, in 2007, under my leadership, our Commission established an affordable housing fund and New Canaan has since successfully built several affordable projects exceeding the requirements of 8-30g.
Imposing additional requirements on towns like New Canaan will be counterproductive and harmful to the community. Many aspects of the law, including for example getting rid of parking requirements, will make it difficult for towns to manage themselves and protect their citizens’ interests.
While I laud the goal of providing more housing as much as anyone, growth without community support and involvement is disadvantageous. Please veto HB 5002.
Thank you for your attention,
Laszlo Papp, New Canaan
