By Elizabeth Barhydt
Three major stories are developing this week that impact how Greenwich governs, spends, and grows. The Sentinel is tracking the Havemeyer Building RFP process, a newly revealed surplus in the Board of Education budget, and the state legislature’s push on a sweeping housing bill that will override local decision making.
Each of these stories raises questions about fiscal responsibility, local authority, and long-term planning. Below is a brief synopsis of two of these issues. Look for more in-depth coverage online and in next week’s paper.
Board of Education Carries Over Budget Surplus
The Board of Education is expected to carry over between $1.5 million and $2 million in unspent funds from the 2024-2025 fiscal year into the next budget cycle. This development, not previously disclosed during earlier budget debates, is now confirmed as legally permissible under town guidelines.
The surplus appears to be due to unanticipated savings in special education services and staff ing changes. The timing of the disclosure has prompted concern from members of the Board of Estimate and Taxation, who have spent months negotiating school funding under the assumption that such a surplus did not exist.
The carry over will likely become a factor in the 2025-2026 education budget debate and raises further questions about financial oversight and forecasting within the school district.
HB 5002 Passes House, Faces Senate Test
House Bill 5002, a comprehensive housing bill, passed the Connecticut House of Representatives on a vote of 84–67 and now heads to the Senate. The bill would require towns to zone for specific housing targets based on statewide need, allow “as of right” conversion of small commercial buildings into housing, expand fair rent commissions, and ban minimum off-street parking requirements for residential developments.
All three of Greenwich’s state representatives — Tina Courpas, Hector Arzeno, and Steve Meskers — voted against the bill.
Representative Courpas spoke forcefully against the measure, citing its top-down mandates and negative consequences for local infrastructure and planning.
The bill faces additional scrutiny in the State Senate, where Senator Ryan Fazio is expected to take a leading role in fighting the bill. Fazio has voiced opposition and stopped some previous bills with similar zoning mandates, but is faced with a 2-1 margin of Democrats this time. Amendments are likely.
Advocacy groups on both sides are preparing for a high-stakes legislative showdown. The bill’s impact on Greenwich would be substantial, including mandatory changes to zoning plans, reduced local discretion over housing density, and a substantial loss of local authority over development.
