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DesegregateCT Holds Hartford Press Conference, Celebrates Legislative Milestone & Calls for Bold Action on Zoning Reform

On April 1, 2021, DesegregateCT hosted a press conference outside the State Capitol to commend the advancement of SB 1024 out of committee and call on the General Assembly to enact the full slate of zoning reform proposals. State leaders joined the call to pass meaningful reforms that will begin to remedy deep inequities, while also benefiting our economy and environment.

“Our coalition is grateful to the Planning & Development Committee for advancing this important legislation,” said Sara Bronin, founder and lead organizer of DesegregateCT. “We will work with legislators to restore provisions on transit-oriented development and small-scale multi-family housing, which are important for Connecticut’s long-term growth. Bold, comprehensive, and swift action on these issues is important to free Connecticut from a one-size-fits-all approach to housing.” 

“Zip codes should not determine the outcome of a child’s life. But, unfortunately, Connecticut remains one of the most segregated states in the country and policies with discriminatory impacts still dictate the future of far too many young people in this state," said State Treasurer Shawn Wooden. "Growing up in the North End of Hartford, and participating in a desegregation busing program, I know firsthand the impact such policies have on people's lives. The status quo is no longer acceptable and policy leaders can no longer afford to look the other way. This bill is an excellent first step to end decades' worth of housing policies that have the effect, intentionally or unintentionally, of discriminating against certain residents.  We must work towards creating a more equitable future for all communities across our state.”

"The cost of housing in Connecticut has been a significant concern for citizens and policymakers for a long time, and yesterday the Planning and Development Committee took a significant step forward in advancing legislation that will help us provide more housing choice options. Housing policy is central to growing our economy as we continue to recover from the impact of the pandemic. The debate around housing policy is also central to the larger discussion we are having about equity and racial justice. We have a choice – we can continue the politics that defined the past several decades, or we can engage each other to develop solutions that address the legacy of morally bankrupt policies that perpetuate racial and economic segregation," said House Majority Leader Jason Rojas (D - East Hartford, Manchester), who submitted a written statement. "Now is the time to act and forge a path forward. We cannot afford to enact new policy that further entraps our communities in Connecticut's steady habits. Thank you to the Committee Chairs for their diligent work on these proposals."

Senate President Bob Duff (D - Norwalk, Darien), who could not attend the conference, shared that “Zoning reform will expand our state’s housing stock and diversity, attract new residents to Connecticut, and give our economy a much needed boost as we recover from COVID-19. Contrary to over-the-top rhetoric from some, these commonsense proposals respect local authority and will receive the full attention of the State Senate.”

“Communities of color in Connecticut face disparate outcomes in health, education, and other services-- and we are seeing these divides exacerbated by COVID-19. Zoning reform and access to housing are integral to expanding equity and opportunity in these communities and across the state,” said Rep. Geraldo Reyes (D - Waterbury), Chair of the Black and Puerto Rican Caucus.

“We have seen great engagement on the issue of zoning reform so far this session, and I am committed to continuing to work with all parties on these issues,” added Rep. Cristin McCarthy-Vahey (D - Fairfield), Co-Chair of the Planning and Development Committee. “Modernizing our zoning laws is critical to addressing our housing crisis, inequality and our state’s long-term economic growth. I am confident that working together we will make progress this session.” 

“Zoning reform is a crucial step toward forging more inclusive communities. Connecticut is one of the most segregated states in the country, and we must take bold and immediate action,” stated Planning & Development Committee member Sen. Saud Anwar (D - South Windsor).

Sen. Derek Slap (D - West Hartford, Farmington), and co-sponsor of the bill, said, “We don’t have to choose between cherishing our towns and enacting targeted reforms to open opportunities - we can have both. Zoning reform will help grow jobs, protect our environment - and combat racial inequalities.”

“The high cost of housing, along with the shortage of housing and housing diversity is owed in large part to restrictive land use laws that perpetuate racial segregation. As members of our homeless population begin to envision themselves living differently, it will be critical for them to occupy housing that is… close to where they can obtain basic necessities,” emphasized Omena McCoy, Senior Policy Advisor at the Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness. “Shelters help to save lives, but it is housing that helps to end homelessness.”

“Our apprenticeship and training program currently has a 51% minority participation… there’s not enough affordable housing, and there’s not housing that allows them to commute, mostly, to their work,” stated Marc Okun, Business Agent/Organizer at the North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters CT. “SB 1024 is one of the most important pieces of legislation that came out this year.” 

“We are very excited that several of these bills, including SB 1024, made it out of committee. We are hopeful we can get some provisions reincluded as conversations continue, especially provisions around middle housing and expanding transit oriented development,” said Sean Ghio, Policy Director of Partnership for Strong Communities. “The bottom line is Connecticut needs more homes and more people. Our towns can be great places to live, and can be affordable at the same time.”