TPZ Forwards Opposition Resolution to Legislative Delegation
NEWINGTON - The Town Council resolution against a controversial House bill did not get enough votes to pass last Tuesday, but the same one made it past the Town Planning and Zoning Commission (TPZ) the next night.

       The TPZ voted 8-1 to move the resolution along to the town’s legislative delegation after a brief discussion on the matter. TPZ Commissioners led by Carol Anest were the first to raise concerns regarding the proposed bill, which aims to establish a Transit Corridor Authority--an 11 member quasi-public agency board--to facilitate development projects around train and bus stations throughout the state.

       Council Republicans drafted a resolution against it, however councilors disagreed on how the bill--which originally included language granting the Authority the right to exercise eminent domain, but has since seen that removed--should be interpreted.

       â€"Most, if not all, of the issues this Commission was concerned with have been taken out,” Minor told commissioners prior to the vote.

       He’s referring to the provision regarding eminent domain, which prompted concerns regarding a perceived potential for the loss of municipal autonomy regarding development projects near the town’s FasTrak bus way stations. The TPZ is in the process of preparing a moratorium on high-density housing development in those areas.

       Minor also pointed to language binding the Authority to local zoning regulations, as well as the inclusion of the town’s chief public official as a voting member of the Board. The Authority is intended to be an entity that works with municipalities only at their request, councilors opposed to the resolution said the previous night.

       But commissioners are less than reassured.

       â€"The Governor’s going to vote 11 people [onto the Board],” said Commissioner Robert Serra, Sr. â€"We’re going to have one. That’s a no-win situation.”

       Although the TPZ considered tabling the item until its next meeting, Commissioners opted to vote that night due to the unpredictable nature of when the bill might be up for a vote in Hartford.

       â€"We have discussed this previously, and we don’t know when it’s going to be brought to the floor,” Anest said.
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