Report on Opposition to Connecticut Housing Bill HB 5002

Introduction

Hon. Minnie Gonzalez, Assistant Deputy Speaker Pro-Tem and State Representative for District 3, representing one of the poorest districts in Connecticut, publicly opposed the omnibus Housing Bill HB 5002 during the recent legislative session. The opposition highlights significant concerns regarding the bill’s alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to sustainable cities and communities, reduced inequalities, and inclusive decision-making.

Key Concerns Raised

1. Top-Down Centralized Planning

   The bill is criticized as an ill-conceived, top-down approach that disregards local input and the specific needs of urban communities, undermining SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) by limiting public participation in planning processes.

2. Timing and Methodology Issues

   The methodology used to determine regional housing needs and fair share allocations was developed by ECONorthwest and released only two weeks before the session ended, raising questions about the thoroughness and transparency of the legislative process, impacting SDG 16.

3. Parking Requirements and Quality of Life

   HB 5002 restricts municipal planning commissions from mandating minimum off-street parking in residential developments. This provision is seen as prioritizing increased housing density and developer profits over the quality of life for constituents, particularly in cities lacking mass transit systems, thus affecting SDG 11 and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

4. “As of Right” Conversion of Commercial Property

   The bill allows developers to convert commercial properties to residential dwellings without public hearings, removing transparency and community consent. This undermines local governance and citizen participation, contrary to SDG 16 and SDG 11.

Impact on Constituents and Communities

• The bill’s provisions disproportionately affect poorer, densely populated urban areas, limiting residents’ ability to influence zoning decisions.
• It risks increasing housing density without adequate infrastructure or community support, potentially exacerbating social inequalities (SDG 10).
• There is concern that the bill favors out-of-town developers and affluent communities, neglecting the needs of vulnerable populations.

Call to Action

Representative Gonzalez urges Governor Lamont to veto HB 5002, emphasizing the need for legislation that genuinely addresses the challenges of providing safe, clean, and affordable housing for all citizens, in line with SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), and SDG 11.

Conclusion

The opposition to HB 5002 underscores the importance of inclusive, transparent, and locally informed housing policies that advance sustainable development goals by ensuring equitable access to housing, preserving community participation, and enhancing quality of life for all residents.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 1: No Poverty
   • The article discusses challenges faced by constituents living in poverty in an urban district.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • The article focuses on urban housing issues, municipal planning, zoning, and the quality of life in cities.
3. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • The article raises concerns about transparency, public participation, and governance in the planning and zoning process.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 1: No Poverty
   • Target 1.4: Ensure that all men and women, particularly the poor and vulnerable, have equal rights to economic resources, including access to basic services and housing.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.1: Ensure access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic services.
   • Target 11.3: Enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory, integrated and sustainable human settlement planning and management.
3. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels.
   • Target 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making at all levels.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. For SDG 1 (No Poverty)
   • Indicator 1.4.1: Proportion of population living in households with access to basic services such as safe and affordable housing.
2. For SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities)
   • Indicator 11.1.1: Proportion of urban population living in slums, informal settlements or inadequate housing.
   • Indicator 11.3.2: Proportion of cities with a direct participation structure of civil society in urban planning and management.
3. For SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions)
   • Indicator 16.6.2: Proportion of population satisfied with their last experience of public services (implied through concerns about trust and transparency).
   • Indicator 16.7.2: Proportion of population who believe decision-making is inclusive and responsive (implied through concerns about public hearings and participation).

4. Table of SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: ctexaminer.com