Lisa Simpson
Nov 13,2009
In: Finance

Darien Officials Embark on a Zoning Plan to Generate Affordable Housing

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In the suburb of Darien, an exclusive area, the issue of affordable housing has been a matter of contention. After long and hot debates the advocates persuaded the officials to set into operation a zoning plan that would ultimately lead to the generation of cheaper housing. This move has been termed inclusionary-zoning.
The policy stipulates that each new multi-family development together with each sub-division containing at least five residential houses to keep aside 12% of the units as housing marked as below the market rate.

Nearly half of all the single-family houses in Darien cross the $1 million mark. Less than 2% of the total housing stock complies with the definition of affordable housing as laid down by the state. David Fink, the policy director of this campaign – HOMEConnecticut for affordable housing said, this inclusionary-zoning plan should be awarded “five gold stars, because this housing is sorely needed.”

Although the officials have started to take action responding to the need for affordable housing the language of the ordinance hints that there are still some reservations. One heading reads “Priority Population”. Under it has been listed 7 categories of households that must be given priority when these affordable units are ready for sale or rent. The first five refer to residents and the workers of Darien. The 6th refers to those who once resided here and want to come back. Those (whether individuals or families) who reside outside Darien have been listed last.
The plan shows up the tensions running through many communities of Connecticut as they battle over the topic of below-market-rate housing. Whenever the officials raise the issue the residents want to be assured that the locals will be given first preference. Christine Nelson of Old Saybrook said, “We get phone calls all the time from people who say: ‘Hey, I hear you’re building some housing. I could use some help — I work here, you know.’” Her firm has teamed up with a non-profit body to construct 16 units of such affordable houses.

When the money comes from federal funds, then the laws relating to fair housing prevents such assurances. Darien suburbs are White dominated. If the policies are implemented then they will have a 100% advantage to block out the minorities argued the lawyers advocating fair housing. Diane Houk of Fair Housing Justice Center of New York referred to the population preferences of Darien “highly suspect.”

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