Controversial Bill to Create Transit Corridor Development Authority in Connecticut

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.