HARTFORD, CT – The Senate Wednesday approved a bill to make it easier for developers to convert commercial buildings into residential units amid prolonged debate over whether the proposal is a critical step toward providing more housing or whether it’s a misguided initiative that will strip control of local development from municipalities.
At one point, the typical question and answer exchange between a bill proponent and a colleague stretched for just more than 3½ hours as Rep. Jeff Gordon, R-Woodstock, once a planning and zoning commission chairman, peppered bill architect Rep. MD Rahman, D-Manchester, with questions sprinkled among long stretches of criticism about the proposed legislation.
Senate Bill 416, approved along party lines 22-12 with two members absent, would let developers convert commercial buildings to residential “as of right.” The designation would prevent towns and cities from rejecting the plan if it meets local building and fire codes. The municipality would not be allowed to require a public hearing or special permits and would have to decide on an application within 65 days.
“This proposal aims to help Connecticut communities convert vacant commercial properties into vibrant residential developments by cutting through some of the red tape that often impedes these projects,” Rahman said in a release issued after the vote. “By putting aside these bureaucratic barriers, we encourage growth, promote construction of affordable housing for our neighbors, and expand our tax base.”
While Rahman described local procedures as “red tape,” Gordon portrayed those procedures as critical ways municipalities can control how property within their borders is used.
“(The bill is taking away key fundamental municipal land use planning,” Gordon said. “Taking that away will create unintended, unforeseeable harm.”
Gordon said he was also concerned that the legislation could make it easier for zoning districts – where land use might be restricted to commercial or residential – would be compromised and the municipality would have no input.
But Rahman countered that the bill does not allow conversion of property without compliance to local zoning rules.
Rep. Ryan Fazio, R-Greenwich, also spoke against the measure, saying there were better ways to encourage the development of more housing, including affordable housing. He said the housing shortage is more a result of economic challenges than zoning processes.
“Zoning is not standing in the way,” said Fazio, calling the legislation “drastic measures that will make the situation worse.”
Fazio said he supports providing developers tax incentives for creating affordable housing and rewarding municipalities that approve conversion of commercial to residential.
Gordon also expressed concern that the bill does not require developers to meet public health codes in the conversion process.
The bill is headed to the House for consideration.
