Small Connecticut Town Approves Controversial 96-Unit Apartment Complex

Woodbridge, Connecticut recently approved a 96-unit apartment building, a move challenged by some of the tiny, affluent town’s residents, who say the four-story building would strain local infrastructure, bring too much traffic to the adjacent street, and threaten a local nature preserve.

According to reporting from the Hartford Courant Staff, “Woodbridge, an affluent suburb, was already embroiled in a potentially landmark affordable housing lawsuit when it made the decision on the 804 Fountain St. site. Twelve of the units will be for lower-than-average-income tenants.” The lawsuit in question alleges that the city has repeatedly blocked efforts to build affordable housing. 

State law gives significant leeway to housing proposals in areas where less than 10 percent of housing is deemed affordable. In Woodbridge, just 1.4 percent of housing qualifies as such. The Democratic Town Committee said the town’s restrictive zoning policies brought on the flurry of proposals filed under the 8-30g state law, noting in a statement, “When towns don’t increase affordable housing, the state steps in. That’s exactly what 8-30g was designed to do, override local zoning and force towns to act. Responsible planning is how we protect Woodbridge.”