Ben Wenograd of West Hartford is one of 14 individuals appointed to the Commission, which also includes representatives of legislative committees and state officials, and is tasked with evaluating policies on topics including land use and housing.

Submitted

West Hartford Town Councilor Ben Wenograd (D) has been appointed to the Commission on Connecticut’s Development and the Future by House Majority Leader Jason Rojas (D-East Hartford, Manchester).

Created as part of Public Act 21-29 (aka HB 6107), the Commission will evaluate policies related to land use, conservation, housing affordability, and infrastructure.

Rojas said of his decision to appoint Councilman Wenograd, “A true advocate for West Hartford families, Ben helped to develop and pass an important local ordinance to increase affordable housing options by removing significant bureaucratic hurdles. It’s this forward-thinking approach that makes him a leader in our state, and is why I was proud to appoint him to the Commission on Connecticut’s Development and Future.”

Wenograd said of his appointment, “I’m honored to be selected to serve. Housing inequality creates segregation and holds back our economy, and this commission reflects the legislature’s commitment to solving these issues once and for all.”

Wenograd is the architect of the town’s recent adjustments for accessory dwelling units, commonly known as “in-law apartments,” which allows residents more flexibility in how their property is used. “These changes help our seniors stay in their home as they age, and create affordable housing stock,” he added.

Public Act 21-29 (HB 6107) was passed by the Connecticut General Assembly and became law on Oct. 1, 2021. This new law will act as a modern zoning guide that will address disparities in housing and infrastructure needs, improve environmental stewardship and help address climate change, protect the state’s historical and cultural assets, preserve open space, and improve the overall health and wellbeing of the state’s residents. Public Act 21-29 will allow for flexibility for municipalities to work together as partners in planning and building a foundation for more equitable, safe, and environmentally sound communities.

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