Do Republican Candidates Have a Solution to Overbuilding and the Horrible 8-30g Statute?

 

Screenshot (ctinsider.com)

With this being another election year, we thought we would remind voters in Greenwich and all of Connecticut about the 8-30g statute that continues to hang over our heads. 

Affordable Housing Units (CT Gen. Statute 8-30g) Read

Many of you are aware of this but here's a brief recap:

The issue of 8-30g in Connecticut is a significant problem in the state, and it is crucial to understand the reasons behind its prevalence and the negative impact it has on the state.

First and foremost, 8-30g is a state statute, passed by a Democrat majority, that requires towns and cities in Connecticut to have ten percent affordable housing units. This mandate has been a point of contention for many municipalities, as they struggle to meet the required quotas. As a result, developers have been taking advantage of the statute, often bypassing local zoning laws to build more housing units than typically allowed.

One of the major reasons why 8-30g has become such a big problem in Connecticut is the lack of affordable housing options in the state. Connecticut has some of the highest housing costs in the country, which makes it difficult for low- and middle-income residents to find suitable and affordable housing. As a result, the demand for affordable housing has increased significantly, prompting developers to exploit the 8-30g statute to build more units.

Furthermore, the proliferation of 8-30g developments has had a negative impact on the character and aesthetics of many communities in Connecticut. These developments are often out of scale and out of character with the surrounding neighborhoods, leading to complaints from residents about their impact on property values and quality of life. Additionally, the increased density of these developments can strain local resources and infrastructure, such as schools, roads, and public services.

Additionally, there is the lack of oversight and accountability in the approval process. Developers are often able to circumvent local zoning laws and regulations, leading to concerns about the safety and quality of these developments. Also, there have been instances where developers have taken advantage of the 8-30g statute to build luxury housing instead of affordable units, further exacerbating the affordable housing crisis in the state.

Moreover, the 8-30g statute has been criticized for its lack of transparency and community input. Many residents feel that they have little say in the approval process for these developments, leading to a sense of powerlessness and frustration. This lack of involvement can further exacerbate tensions between developers and communities, as residents feel that their concerns are being ignored in favor of profit-driven development.

The impact of 8-30g developments on the environment is also a significant concern. Many of these developments are built in environmentally sensitive areas, leading to concerns about the destruction of open space and wildlife habitats. Additionally, the increased density of these developments can exacerbate traffic congestion and air pollution, further harming the quality of life for residents.

How will Republican candidates address this?

If elected, what would they actually do to begin the repeal process of this statute?

How will builders be held accountable?

These are hard questions to answer since Democrats currently hold the majority in Harford. However, voters deserve answers, and every Republican should answer these truthfully and honestly.

To be clear, "bipartisanship" is NOT an answer since it never works in favor of Republicans.