Providing new affordable housing in Darien, real estate development projects in town and providing more electricity in the state were discussed when First Selectman Jon Zagrodzky recently met with Gov. Ned Lamont at Roots Ocean Prime, a new restaurant in town.
The Greenwich Democrat and Darien Republican spoke for about an hour on Monday, May 5, Zagrodzky said in his regular biweekly column in the latest Town of Darien Newsletter (sent out by email on Friday).
First Selectman Jon Zagrodzky and Gov. Ned Lamont met at Roots Ocean Prime in Grove Street Plaza.
Zagrodzky discussed how Darien officials in recent years have worked to encourage more affordable housing, with 200-plus units built or renovated in the past 15 years and 40 more, not yet built but approved by town land use boards. He also pointed out that Darien is 98 percent developed, making it more difficult to build.
“The governor seemed to appreciate our results,” Zagrodzky added.
He reported that Lamont said that in the long-term, the state needs more nuclear and natural gas sources of electricity generation to supplement wind and solar sources.
Zagrodzky said he not only agrees with that, but will “try to help the governor — if you [the readers] have a strong energy background or network and could help as well, call me.” Zagrodzky can be reached at 203-656-7338.
Text of Zagrodzky’s Column
Here’s the full text:
On Monday this past week, I had the privilege of sitting down for lunch with Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont. I invited him to try out our latest new restaurant, Roots Ocean Prime in Grove Street Plaza. Outstanding, by the way – give them a try if you haven’t!
We spoke one-on-one for about an hour. I had a chance to describe all our recent development activity and how so many individuals — developers, government officials, and citizens – had come together to make it all work.
We also talked about the state more broadly, focusing on energy and housing.
He acknowledged the value of wind and solar as sources but has concluded, rightly in my view, that they are inadequate for meeting our long-term energy needs. Without natural gas and nuclear power, we simply cannot deliver supply that is reliable, sufficient, and economical. He is very much focused on these two sources but noted the difficulties presented by environmental interests.
If we can meet this energy challenge, it could help resolve a lot of long-standing problems, including the availability of good jobs and the high cost of living. I’m going to try to help the governor — if you have a strong energy background or network and could help as well, call me.
As for housing, I talked about the Darien model, which is to encourage the inclusion of affordable housing in our new developments. Currently, developers are required to designate 14% of the units they build as affordable.
We have constructed or renovated more than 200 affordable units over the last 15 years, with another 40 or so on the way based on recent P&Z approvals. And all this in a community that is 98 percent developed. It is better for towns to build affordable housing in a way that works for them. The governor seemed to appreciate our results.
In short, the meeting with the governor was interesting throughout. He has provided steady leadership for our state, and I am grateful for all he continues to do. It was an honor to get to know him.
OK, lots of reminders this week:
Tuesday, May 20 at 7 p.m. – the Great Island Advisory Committee, the Museum of Darien, and the Library are co-hosting a presentation by architect George Knight about the history of the architecture on Great Island.
Thursday, May 22 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. – the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection is presenting a workshop on how we are responding to a rising number of hate crimes. DESPP Commissioner Ronnell Higgins, Darien Police Chief Jeremiah P. Marron Jr. and I will all be there. Please come to what should be an interesting discussion.
Friday, May 23 – last day to complete the very important survey in support of the audit commissioned for the Town of Darien to help us improve accessibility in municipal parks, parking lots, buildings, and programs – in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you or someone you know has a disability, please help us by completing this survey: SurveyMonkey.com/r/DarienADA
Thanks all! JZ
