Controversial Bill to Create Transit Corridor Development Authority in Connecticut

Controversial Bill to Create Transit Corridor Development Authority in Connecticut

June 5, 2015, 5am PDTJAMES BRASUELL
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Eminent domain is just one of the powers that would be granted the new Transit Corridor Development Authority, per House Bill 6851. The controversial bill is pitting the state's governor against opponents that argue in favor of local power.


Since March, the state of Connecticut has been debating a controversial House Bill 6851, also known as "An Act Establishing the Transit Corridor Development Authority." According to an op-ed by Matthew Gilligan in the CT Post, HB 6851 "would establish the Transit Corridor Development Authority (TCDA) as a quasi-public agency to focus on TOD projects around existing and future transit stations within the state."

"The TCDA would be charged with coordinating the development of state transportation initiatives, leveraging state and private investments in order to assist communities and stimulate economic growth and housing opportunities," adds Gilligan.

Gilligan writes as the president of the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities, voicing that organizations support for the bill. The Hartford Courant editorial board has also gone on record to support the bill.

An earlier news report by Bill Cummings and Alex Gecan detailed the political response to Connecticut Governor Daniel P. Malloy, who is supporting the bill. That article also provides this detail about the power of the bill: "The transit authority could use eminent domain to seize property within a half-mile of a train station, sell bonds to finance a project, enter into agreements for management and work to create new office and retail space, parking garages and cultural attractions."

Opposing opinions about the bill include that of Suzanne Bates and Zachary Janowski, who describe the bill as a land grab and an attack on the state's tradition of home rule:


"Draw a half-mile circle around the Metro-North rail stations in Fairfield County, Connecticut—sometimes called the 'Gold Coast,' and including towns like Greenwich, New Canaan, and Darien—and you quickly see why officials and residents demanded changes to Malloy’s bill. The land around these stations is some of the most valuable in the country; current development conforms to the quiet, quaint character that attracted many residents. These communities have used their local prerogative to remain suburban. Through the TCDA, Malloy could have changed that, imposing high-density development along the rail line."

Connecticut State Senator Toni Boucher (R-Wilton) also published a press release explaining her opposition to the bill.

Full Story: Gilligan: Transit Corridor Development Authority Proposal Will Provide Useful Assistance and Benefits to Towns and CitiesPublished on Wednesday, June 3, 2015 in CT Post

Editor's Note: This is worse than Priority Development Areas but almost the same as Californias new redevelopment law AB2 and SB628 that establishes Joint Power Authorities for redevelopment.

Are JPAs a constitutional government body? I don't think so. This lust for regionalization and high density housing will stop when the public becomes fully aware of what is going on and starts throwing politicians out of office.

When you see examples of this across the country, it really makes you wonder if the conspiracy theorists are on to something. I still believe it is a FAD that will disappear in the political hurricane that is coming.
http://www.planetizen.com/node/77834