Blue Ribbon Commission on Housing and Economic Development

Meeting Minutes

December 18, 2007 Meeting

Commission Members present:

Mayor Mark Boughton, Chair; Patricia Spring, Connecticut Housing Coalition; Gary King (CHFA Chairman’s Designate), Connecticut Housing Finance Authority; Mark Foreman, Cornerstone Capital Mortgage & Real Estate; Stephen F. Darley, New Haven Construction Corp.; Diane Randall, Partnership for Strong Communities; Phillip Smith (Secretary’s Designate), Connecticut Office of Policy and Management; Commissioner Joan McDonald, Connecticut Department of Economic & Community Development; Howard Rifkin (State Treasurer’s Designate), Office of the State Treasurer; Mayor Elizabeth Paterson, Town of Mansfield; Elizabeth Verna, Verna Builders & Developers

Commission Members excused:

Anthony Rescigno, Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce;

Mayor Boughton called the meeting to order at 1:12 PM in the Legislative Office Building Room #1-B. Each member introduced themselves and their interest in the Blue Ribbon Commission on Housing and Economic Development (BRCHED).

Mayor Boughton discussed developing definable and doable goals for BRCHED. He indicated plans for meetings and conversations with Legislative Leadership to discuss expectations. A recap discussion of Public Act 07-4 creating BRCHED and the timelines for reports. Members acknowledged a late start for BRCHED meetings will challenge a timeline requiring an interim report on February 1, 2008.

A general discussion of challenges ensued with Phil Smith expressing concerns with incentives regarding affordable housing. Diane Randall discussed how overlay zoning can facilitate affordable housing goals. Commissioner McDonald discussed the Responsible Growth Task Force and announced public forums across the state over the next month for DECD’s Long-Range Strategic Plan. Howard Rifkin suggested BRCHED invite Home Connecticut for a presentation at the next BRCHED meeting. Mayor Boughton asked for the development of a list of task forces touching this issue. Ron Thomas of the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities agreed to develop the list. Mayor Boughton suggested subcommittees must be developed and appointed for the next meeting as such a structure will be more productive than the full commission addressing each issue. Pat Spring discussed technical assistance grants and flex funds for planning. Diane Randall expanded on the DECD’s technical assistance for nonprofit developers. Mayor Boughton announced an official website will be developed for BRCHED.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 2:11 PM.

Respectfully submitted, Michael A. McLachlan, Chief of Staff – City of Danbury