Stratford Town Council Votes In Favor Of Home Rule Government

STRATFORD, CT — The Stratford Town Council on Monday voted to support a resolution supporting home rule, a system of government that leaves development and zoning decisions in the hands of local officials.

Some bills in the Connecticut house and senate today aim to make changes to local zoning regulations, including one that would tax cities lacking affordable housing and another allowing affordable multifamily housing to be built near train stations and main streets.

Stratford Mayor Laura R. Hoydick voiced support for home rule government in the town, saying policy changes could "have dire consequences to our planning ability and the shape of our community."

“Imagine an area like Paradise Green or anywhere within a quarter mile of a main corridor, and the state can put a large development in by right, and no area residents would have any say at all; no public hearing, no recourse," Hoydick said in a statement. "I thank the Town Council for joining with me to defend the ability of our Town to continue to have a say in its own future.”

Christopher Silhavey, Chairman of Stratford's zoning commission, said if approved, the proposed legislation would allow for large-scale development in Stratford without input from the public or from elected officials.

"Public hearings are where projects are improved, problems resolved before they occur, developers are held to account for their plans and environmental impacts are explored or mitigated, and transparency is guaranteed,” Sillhavey said.

The resolution passed 8-2 with only Councilors Kaitlyn Shake and Paul Tavaras voting against the home rule measure.

The council said the resolution will be transmitted to Stratford's state legislative delegation and to leadership in the state's house and senate.