I’m writing this as an open letter to all those working or residing in Southbury who’re struggling to make ends meet owing to high rents/mortgages (including utility bills) that constitute 30% or more of your income. The cavalry is on its way.
On December 1, a new First Selectman, three new Selectwomen, and others who’ll give high priority to creating affordable homes (AH) here will assume offices in Town Hall. They’re energized, smart, creative, and care about you.
You’ve been ignored far too long. In fact Town Hall has been virtually deaf to your voices, from when I arrived in Southbury in 1990 till just this year, even trying to stop esteemed local architect Kevin Bennett’s initial housing development comprising 30% AH units. He had to threaten to sue the town on the basis of Connecticut’s 8-30g statute to proceed (see https://www.ctoca.org/why_830g_matters).
Long story short, Bennett’s plan was approved. Since then, he’s built another AH development and has yet another on the way. Noteworthy is that his AH residents have disproved, glowingly, NIMBY myths about AH.
You work hard, and your work is clearly needed for Southbury to thrive. And if you’re retired, you did so as well. Moreover, it’s not your fault that contractors stopped building homes for folks whose incomes aren’t the same as or more than your area’s median income. And commuting, with all its stress and attendant pollution, isn’t ideal for most of you. You deserve to live where you work if that’s your choice. And those of you who’re retired have already contributed to the commonweal and deserve free time here where you’re rooted, where your family, friends, and medical professionals are.
So, come December/January you’ll see action being taken towards resolving your home affordability. I’d be remiss, however, if I didn’t tell you that even though establishing AH at Southbury Training School will be on a faster track than that in the current administration, it’ll take a few years before this large development is completed. In the meantime, SAHA will work with the Board of Selectmen and -women on smaller, swifter AH projects. We’ll keep you posted.
— Sharon Wirt
President, Southbury Affordable Housing Alliance (SAHA)
The Southbury Record 