Fred Camillo’s Testimony Concerning HB 5429, An Act Concerning Transit-Oriented Development
Good afternoon, Sen. Cassano, Rep. McCarthey-Vahey, Sen. Hwang, Rep. Zullo, and members of the Planning & Development Committee…
It is always good to see my former colleagues. Thank you for your continued service to our state.
My name is Fred Camillo, a former member of the Connecticut General Assembly, and the current First Selectman of the Town of Greenwich.
I am here today to strongly oppose HB 5429, AN ACT CONCERNING TRANSIT-ORIENTED DEVELOPMENT. In addition to trying impose a Hartford ” one size fits all ” approach to local communities, it is self defeating in that it will devalue homes and thus decrease revenue to the towns and ultimately, the state.
This proposal would alter the look of each area within a half mile of a downtown train station, devalue property, which is a person’s greatest asset, decrease revenue from taxation, add to congested areas, and dramatically and negatively affect the ability of local zoning boards and residents to protect the architectural consistency and integrity of their neighborhoods.
If those who speak loudly on the subject of diversity are true to their words, then why are they supporting proposals that diminish the diversity of towns, regions, and sections of towns that are diverse and what local residents support?
I am proud of my town’s longstanding efforts to provide affordable housing. My grandmother was a recipient of that commitment. I also stand with my colleagues of the Greenwich delegation, Greenwich Communities ( our local housing authority ), RTM, and other advocates who continue to strive for inclusivity and opportunity as well as local autonomy. At the end of the day, no one knows the needs of a community like those who actually live, work, and volunteer in it.
Please vote down this deleterious proposal and concentrate on pro-growth policies that our state is in dire need of in 2022.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Fred Camillo is the First Selectman of the Town of Greenwich
