Town Approves Affordable Housing 'Tool'

Monday evening saw months of debate draw to a close, when a 65-member Representative Town Meeting approved the Darien Tax Abatement Ordinance for Low and Moderate Income Housing as amended to include the Board of Finance.

The ordinance, which some consider a constructive tool—a means of helping developers get expensive affordable housing developments off the ground when rents are particularly low—came before the previous Board of Selectmen at the request of the Darien Housing Authority as it relates to the redevelopment project at Allen O'Neill.

It has since been amended, based on the widely held opinion that decisions that could affect the tax base for a significant amount of time should include the Board of Finance.

For the town to grant a tax abatement, the request must meet consensus from the Planning & Zoning Commission, the Board of Selectmen, the Board of Finance and the RTM.

A Board of Selectmen meeting held March 1 saw the current administration formally endorse the amended ordinance with a unanimous vote—a move Selectman David Bayne described as "important to send a definitive message to the RTM."

For months the RTM debated the need for and ramifications of said legislation.

Where some considered the ordinance a constructive affordable housing tool that will allow the town to discuss abatement requests as and where necessary, others said it is unprecedented for a small Connecticut town like Darien to adopt said legislation; moreover, some felt that the latest amendment, which gives the Board of Finance more than an advisory role, could weaken the power of the RTM as the town's legislative arm.

"That could pressure us to be a rubber stamp," said Elisabeth Bacon (District II) at a February RTM Rules Committee.

Unease and unfamiliarity with the proposed legislation moved to the RTM to postpone its scheduled vote in late January to March 15.

Monday's vote came after little discussion.

From the RTM, Planning Zoning & Housing Chair John Van Der Kieft spoke briefly of his committee's review process and approval of the ordinance. Holly Kelly spoke on behalf of TGS&A, noting that the committee studied the amendment and found no conflict with the Town Charter.

Board of Finance Chair Murray Stegelman spoke of his board's approval, and Bayne—then Acting First Selectman—encouraged the RTM to vote in favor.

"We hope that you provide the town with a very powerful tool in our affordable housing toolbox," said Bayne.

And they did. The RTM voted 61 in favor, two against and one abstention.

Turn out was thin due to the previous weekend's storm that left many members without power, said Moderator Karen Armour.