In May, the New London City Council passed the "Plan for Affordable Housing." Developed with input from a cross section of New Londoners, the plan notes that "while the City had seen some [Accessory Dwelling Unit] activity, it would be desirable to find ways to continue to reduce barriers and have more contracted over time." The plan recommends "by-right permitting for ADUs.”

Public Act No. 21-29, which City Council considers Monday, removes those barriers, and would allow by right permitting accessory apartments. Seems like an easy decision to me.

If the City Councilors are looking for more precedent to support expanding Accessory Apartments, they need not look far. New London's 2017 Plan of Conservation and Development, calls for increased efforts to promote neighborhood stability and support a variety of housing, specifically “infill development” and “adaptive reuse” of historic structures. These are consistent with the principles of Public Act No. 21-29.

I appreciate the vision behind these plans. These plans are living, dynamic commitments that need to be consulted at key moments like Monday’s City Council vote. Otherwise, it is just one-off rhetoric. Next step should be regular efforts to implement these plans and measure impact!

Frida Berrigan

New London