Board Watch: Housing Commission discusses growth policies; Board of Finance explores homestead tax relief

Board Watch is a recurring feature designed to provide a concise walk-through of activity as we keep track of the week’s civic work. This week's round-up examines two special meetings that focused on some of Woodbridge's most frequently discussed topics: housing, affordability, and taxes.

Housing Commission — May 26, 2026

The Woodbridge Housing Commission held a Special meeting at Town Hall for a wide-ranging discussion of housing policy, state mandates, conservation concerns, and the Town’s role in shaping future housing growth. Topics included state legislative developments, housing growth plan guidelines, affordable housing projects, and future educational programming for the community (see agenda).

During an agenda item listed as “Comments from the Chair,” Dominic Thomas discussed public reaction to the proposed 27 Beecher Road affordable housing project, observing that developers often modify projects in response to regulatory challenges. While emphasizing that the commission should not become involved in active land-use applications, he said the commission has a role in helping residents understand Connecticut’s affordable housing laws and their implications.

Commissioners then reviewed the outcome of the 2026 legislative session, noting that several housing-related proposals did not advance this year. Members suggested lawmakers may have delayed additional housing measures while municipalities focus on implementing zoning changes required under Public Act 25-1. Thomas referenced the draft regulation updates made available on the town website intended to address these new requirements, and noted that a Public Hearing on this matter will be held Monday, June 1 at 6:30 p.m. in the Senior Café, 4 Meetinghouse Lane.

A significant portion of the meeting also focused on discussion of a recent regional housing and conservation forum. Commissioners highlighted the topics covered, including ways to balance housing development, environmental protection, and open-space preservation. Cluster development, flexible zoning standards, directing housing toward areas with existing infrastructure, and protecting wetlands while accommodating growth were also featured elements of the forum.

The commission also began discussing what several members described as 'guardrails' for future work. Rather than pursuing every possible housing strategy simultaneously, members suggested prioritizing areas with existing utilities, transportation access, and redevelopment potential. Discussion centered on the business district’s underutilized commercial properties and the need for closer coordination with the Town Plan and Zoning (TPZ) and Economic Development commissions. Several members expressed interest in inviting the town planner and TPZ members to a future meeting to discuss what zoning changes may be necessary to support housing in appropriate locations.

Click below to watch WGATV's full recording of the May 26, 2026 Housing Commission meeting.

Board of Finance — May, 27, 2026

At its May 27 special meeting, the Board of Finance (BOF) reviewed year-end financial results, approved several funding requests, discussed a potential homestead tax exemption program, and received an update on plans for increasing affordable housing at the Warner Housing complex with a new land lease for Town-owned property on Lucy Street (see agenda).

At the outset of the meeting, public comment focused on the proposed Beecher Road School replacement project. Former Board of Finance Chair Matthew Giglietti spoke to urge caution regarding the project's potential impact on taxpayers and the town’s debt burden, arguing that the 2015-16 school renovation had been presented as a long-term investment and questioning whether a full replacement project is warranted while debt from the earlier renovation remains outstanding.

A substantial portion of the meeting was devoted to a discussion of the formation of a Homestead Exemption subcommittee of the BOF. Town officials said recent state legislation may provide new opportunities to offer targeted property-tax relief to homeowners affected by revaluation. Members discussed evaluating various exemption scenarios and their effects on the grand list, mill rate, and taxpayer burden.

Officials explained that existing law may allow municipalities to adopt percentage-based reductions to assessed value, while additional legislation taking effect in 2027 could allow a flat-dollar exemption approach. Discussion focused on how different options might affect taxpayers in various property-value ranges and whether the resulting tax relief would outweigh any mill-rate increase required to offset a reduced grand list.

BOF members Scott Prud’homme and Christina Baker volunteered to serve on the subcommittee, which is expected to begin modeling potential options in the coming months. Town officials indicated that any proposal would ultimately require an ordinance and public hearings before implementation.

During the meeting's other business, Finance Director Anthony Genovese reported an estimated year-end surplus of nearly $400,000, driven in part by approximately $175,000 in unexpected back-tax collections and $163,000 in building permit revenue associated with the proposed solar farm at the former Homewood Acres golf course property on Racebrook Road. The projected year-end fund balance stands at slightly above 15 percent of annual expenditures.

The Board unanimously reappointed PKF O’Connor Davies as the town’s independent auditor for FY2026. It was noted that the firm was selected through a competitive process last year, remains under a multi-year agreement, and continues to provide audit services for both the Town and Woodbridge Board of Education.

Several funding requests were also approved during the meeting, including transfers for Planning and Zoning Commission transcripts related to the 804 Fountain Street litigation, pre-employment physical examinations for new hires, additional natural gas expenses resulting from the unusually cold winter, and nearly $50,000 for repairs to aging fire apparatus. Board members discussed whether increasing repair costs may signal the need for higher future maintenance budgets but noted that contingency funds are intended to address unpredictable expenses of this type.

The Board also reviewed the town’s annual tax suspense list, which removes certain delinquent taxes from the town’s active asset calculations after several years while continuing collection efforts through established legal processes. Officials emphasized that taxes placed on the suspense list remain collectible and are not forgiven.

In his report to the Board, First Selectman Mica Cardozo provided an update on negotiations involving the Warner senior housing complex on Lucy Street. Under a proposed new 60-year lease arrangement, New Samaritan would undertake significant rehabilitation work supported by state and financing programs. Cardozo said the agreement could unlock more than $2.3 million in capital for the new lease holder to make improvements, while converting all 30 units to deed-restricted affordable housing. Because the proposal includes a tax-abatement component, Board of Finance review will be required as details are finalized.

Cardozo also announced that Woodbridge has secured $1 million in federal funding for a future Emergency Operations Center at the Police Department. Plans for the broader Police Department renovation effort, including its scope, design, and local funding requirements, remain under development.

Click below to watch WGATV's full recording of the May 27, 2026 Board of Finance meeting.