Bite-Sized Politics: Candidates on 35 Leroy

THE ISSUE:

The property at 35 Leroy Avenue is a hot-button issue; the history of which dates back to 2007, when the Representative Town Meeting approved the purchase of the $4.2 million former library property, and the Board of Selectmen decided to use the land for affordable housing.

The sitting Board of Selectmen says that affordable housing is the best use of the property; it is, they say, the only option that is physically, legally and financially permitable. Moreover, the development will help Darien reach a moratorium under 8-30g.

State law 8-30g intends to encourage affordable housing. It mandates that in a town where less than 10 percent of the housing stock is affordable—priced for those earning 60 to 80 percent of the state's median income—developers are allowed to put up projects that are denser than the town would normally permit. Towns that show progress are cut some slack; an increase of affordable housing by two percent results in a moratorium. The proposed development at 35 Leroy Ave. will help Darien attain that temporary relief.

On Aug. 3 of this year, the Board of Selectmen approved the Option to Lease 35 Leroy. The document, drafted by the Board of Selectmen and Town Counsel, is a roughly two-year agreement that will allow developer Mutual Housing Association (MHA) to approve land use and secure financing for the proposed development; both are necessary but not sufficient steps to drafting a Ground Lease.

Not everyone wants to see affordable housing at 35 Leroy Ave.; and not everyone is happy about the Option. Ultimately, the future of the property will rest on a final vote by the RTM on the not-yet finalized Ground Lease.

CANDIDATES ON 35 LEROY:

Callie Sullivan (D)

The most economically viable and sensible use for this property is affordable housing. We have a great plan, which the neighbors approve of, which will help us reach a moratorium, while retaining the charm and scale of the old library. We owe it to our taxpayers to move forward, thereby protecting everyone’s property values.

Chris Noe (I)
 
I think we really do not want to do a study of best use. The professional town planners may say its best use is a library. We need to ask what is the best for the Town of Darien, and not really be concerned with one lousy building lot. The two-acre lot is narrow, and deep.  The back half is filled-in wetlands. If an environmental team looked at this site they may call for substantial wetlands restoration. We should consider all options including the sale of 35 Leroy.

Dave Campbell (R)

It’s important that the Board of Selectmen respect the role of each body of town government. I think there should have been an independent, best-use study of this property, as requested by the RTM. Such a study could still proceed while the developer seeks financing—a lengthy process—under the Option to Lease. Taxpayers paid $4 million for this asset. We owe them a thorough, unbiased evaluation of all potential uses.

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