CT Officials, Developers Talk New Bipartisan Federal Housing Law

MANCHESTER, CT — Changes in federal housing laws under the 21st Century Road to Housing Act raise new questions for Connecticut builders and developers, elected a panel of housing providers, advocates and elected officials who gathered in Manchester recently to discuss how to leverage the bill to address the state’s housing issues.

“Owning a home, having a roof over your head, [and] being able to provide for your family” are all staples of the American dream, said U.S. Rep. John Larson, D-1st District. “That’s why the federal government has to be involved.”

The bipartisan housing act, enacted in July, is aimed at expanding the amount of affordable housing units across the nation. The bill restricts large investors’ ability to purchase single-family homes, raises the maximum income required to be eligible for affordable housing, and expedites the environmental review process needed to initiate housing projects.

“Nothing matters more than having a place to live,” said Sen. Chris Murphy, D-CT. 

Although the Road to Housing Act doesn’t solve the nation’s housing problems, Murphy said it revealed both parties’ intention to improve housing.

The panel took place at the new Manchester Public Library which is set to open its doors to the public on September 14. Approved by Manchester voters, it will be Connecticut’s first entirely electric and net-zero library.

Manchester Mayor Jay Moran called the library a perfect example of local government officials and developers collaborating on new development. In addition to cities like Manchester, Bridgeport, and Hartford, all 169 towns in Connecticut should do their part to develop new housing projects, said Moran.

Gene Schreiner, Director of Commercial Lending at the Housing Partnership Network (HPF), agreed.

“A lot of the difficulties putting in infrastructure is through the planning and zoning committees,” said Schreiner. “There needs to be an easier way to [secure] water, sewing, and permits” for new housing projects.

The federal housing bill comes at a time in which Public Act No. 25-1, which modifies municipal zoning requirements for affordable housing developers, is beginning to take effect in Connecticut.

New federal and state laws will offer “incentives for local governments to step up,” said Pete Harrison, Connecticut Director of the Regional Plan Association (RPA) .”The immense amount of ambition in both these bills” is indicative of both parties finally working together to address the housing shortage, he said.