All Opinion pieces and Letters to the Editor reflect ONLY the thoughts of the writer, and not those of the Stratford Crier or its Editorial Board.
By David Chess MD
http://www.ChessForStratford.com
Nearly everyone agrees that Stratford needs more affordable housing. The issue isn’t the need for this housing, it is how it is done. Stratford is a residential community with areas which are historic and vintage, other areas beach oriented and still others are bucolic. We need a vision that creates affordable housing that enhances our neighborhoods while creating more affordable places to live.
Stratford has failed to take the necessary steps to protect our neighborhoods from unchecked, high-density developments. This costly oversight has left us vulnerable to developers who can circumvent local zoning laws, placing oversized apartment buildings in areas designated for single-family homes.
Consider the proposed development at 150 Oronoque Lane: a 60-unit, six-story apartment building on just 0.8 acres of land, located right in the middle of a single-family neighborhood. The developer can push this through because Stratford falls short of the state’s affordable housing threshold under Connecticut General Statutes (CGS) 8-30g. According to this law, towns with less than 10% affordable housing cannot block developments that include affordable units. Stratford is currently at only 6.3%, leaving us vulnerable to projects like this – unless we take action.
The Failure of Leadership
This situation was preventable. Other towns have used available moratoriums to pause CGS 8-30g development for four years, allowing them time to create responsible, community-friendly housing plans. Mayor Hoydick and her administration failed to take advantage of these waivers. In fact, one can’t find a document describing a town wide affordable housing plan.
Instead, they are now reacting to developments after the fact – when it’s too late. Leadership requires proactive solutions, not last-minute outrage. Stratford needs a mayor who will take action before developers dictate the future of our town.
Other Towns have gotten Moratoriums
Brookfield, Suffield, and South Windsor have current moratoriums. Berlin, Darien, Farmington, Milford, New Canaan, Ridgefield, Trumbull, Wilton, and Westport had moratoriums that have expired. Fairfield was just awarded a four year moratorium.
Success Village and Stonybrook Gardens
There are additional paths to meeting the affordable housing requirements. This includes engaging with Success Village and Stonybrook Gardens cooperatives, which together represent almost 600 affordable units which because they are not deed restricted are not considered affordable housing.
A Smarter Approach to Affordable Housing
I believe in affordable housing that fits within our community – not large high-density projects that disrupt neighborhoods. As mayor, I will:
- Secure a moratorium to give Stratford time to plan, instead of letting developers tell us where and how we grow.
- Develop a strategic plan for affordable housing that increases the number of needed units while safeguarding our neighborhoods.
- Ensure transparency and community involvement so that residents have a voice in Stratford’s future.
We don’t have to choose between affordable housing and preserving the character of our town. With the right vision and leadership, we can do both.
What I find questionable is the stagnation of proposed projects. For example the Shakespeare Property which stand neglected of the black box theater. Frankly I think they should forget the black box theater just do a beautiful Fredrick Law Olmsted type of park with walking trails lined with oramnetal plants and flowers that attract butterflies and hummingbirds and put in benches and more picnic tables to make it a peaceful sanctuary and where the flea market is,put food trucks so we can buy a meal and sit and watch the water and the boats. A serene enclave for rest and reflection.