Why Won't Greenwich Democrats Stand Up Against High-Density Housing Mandates?
A fierce battle over Greenwich’s future, utility limits, and state zoning mandates has erupted between local party leaders after First Selectman Fred Camillo called for a statewide moratorium on high-density housing mandates like Connecticut’s Statute 8-30g.
DTC: "The Utility Crisis that Wasn't"
On September 17, the Greenwich Democratic Town Committee (DTC) published "The Utility Crisis That Wasn't," accusing Camillo of manufacturing a fake infrastructure emergency to block affordable housing. Citing the September 1 Utility Capacity Informational Meeting, the DTC argued utility executives confirmed Greenwich has no town-wide supply shortages—only localized distribution constraints—making a housing freeze unjustified.
Selectman Camillo (R): "The Facts Tell a Different Story"
In a Greenwich Sentinel response titled "The Facts Tell a Different Story," Camillo called the DTC’s position a "complete lie" driven by political gamesmanship:
Real Impact on Residents: The inquiry began after local homeowners were denied natural gas hookups for renovations due to grid limits.
Utility Reality: CNG acknowledged at the forum that new demand requires load evaluations, causing delays and forcing costly infrastructure upgrades.
Responsible Growth: Camillo supports housing when done "wisely," stressing that growth must match local capacity for water, gas, power, sewers, schools, and flood mitigation.
Local Control: Local Planning & Zoning officials understand Greenwich's limits far better than Hartford lawmakers. He urged local Democrats to stand up to state party leaders to protect local zoning authority.
Between the Lines: Top-down housing mandates bypass local zoning, strain small-town utilities, enrich multi-unit developers, and threaten the character of Greenwich. It is high time for local Democrats to get on board and support this moratorium.