Statement from the Woodbridge Republican Town Committee on the passage of HB 5200

If Governor Lamont signs House Bill 5002: An Act Concerning Housing and the Needs of Homeless Persons, it would mark the most significant erosion of local zoning authority in Connecticut in more than three decades. While presented as a step toward addressing homelessness, this bill instead represents a sweeping shift in how towns make decisions, shape their futures, and meet the needs of their residents. The long-term impacts will be severe, diminishing municipal control over land use and silencing the voices of the very people who live in our communities. A statewide, one-size-fits-all mandate is not the answer.

HB 5002 threatens to overhaul local zoning practices across Connecticut, drastically altering the character of our towns and cities without sufficient planning, infrastructure improvements, or consideration for environmental sustainability. We need housing solutions that respect local input, safeguard our environment, and preserve the unique identities of our municipalities.

Creating affordable housing and addressing homelessness are causes we strongly support and many towns, have proven that it can be done thoughtfully and effectively. Under strong local leadership.

HB 5002, by shifting zoning authority away from municipalities and handing it to the state and private developers, undermines those very principles. It’s the wrong path for Connecticut, and the wrong approach for our towns. Connecticut deserves better