Board Watch: Housing Commission discusses long-term planning while Board of Selectmen makes staffing appointments

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. Longer-form articles will appear when issues warrant deeper coverage. 

Housing Commission — July 20, 2026

At the Housing Commission's July 20 meeting members reviewed recent discussions with state officials, regional planners and the Town Plan and Zoning Commission, while also looking ahead to how Woodbridge can proactively shape future housing opportunities (see agenda).

Much of the discussion centered on Connecticut's new Housing Growth Plan requirements and the role local officials will play in establishing realistic housing goals before state targets are assigned. Commissioners emphasized that the town should take an active role in planning for future housing rather than simply responding to state mandates or private development proposals. 

Members also discussed how Woodbridge can encourage appropriate residential development by ensuring local zoning regulations align with the types of projects the town hopes to attract. Chairman Domnick Thomas described conversations with Town Plan and Zoning commissioners about what developers look for when evaluating potential projects and suggested future joint meetings could help educate both town officials and residents on the planning process. 

First Selectman Mica Cardozo updated the commission on the town's work to advance housing opportunities on publicly owned land. He said the former Country Club property is the furthest along because of its proximity to public water and sewer infrastructure. He referenced the CCW Planning process and described how the next implementation steps include creating an overlay zoning district consistent with the master plan and preparing a Request for Expressions of Interest (RFEI) that would be issued to qualified development teams. He told commissioners he is “just finalizing” the RFEI and acknowledged that the draft has not yet been shared with the Housing Commission or other town commissions. He said the document will be circulated for review and input before it is issued.

Commission members discussed using the RFEI process to identify developers whose experience and approach align with the Town's objectives for this as well as other Town-owned property. Cardozo said the town is also evaluating two additional publicly owned parcels for potential housing opportunities, describing one as the Meiss Property on Rimmon Road (the other parcel was not identified).

Commission members also discussed the importance of continuing public education about Connecticut's affordable housing laws and planning process before asking residents to weigh in on specific proposals. They suggested future public forums involving multiple town boards, developers and planning professionals could help residents better understand both the opportunities and constraints facing the town as housing discussions continue.

Click below to watch WGATV's full recording of the July 20, 2026 Housing Commission meeting.

Board of Selectmen — July 21, 2026

The Board of Selectmen devoted its July 21 special meeting primarily to personnel matters, unanimously approving several appointments and organizational changes affecting multiple town departments (see agenda).

Upon the recommendation of the Personnel subcommittee of the board, the Selectmen approved the hiring of Mike Ciciliano as Public Works Director at an annual salary of $130,000 beginning August 17 and selected Kim Rihel as Senior Center Director at an annual salary of $70,000, with a start date no later than September 2. The Selectmen also promoted Judith Young from her longtime part-time role as Human Services social worker to a new full-time position as Director of Social Services and the Youth Service Bureau. The change follows the retirement of former Youth Services Director Nancy Pfund and eliminates Young's former part-time position. 

The board also approved a temporary seven-week pay increase for Human Services Administrative Assistant Angela Mitchell in recognition of additional responsibilities during a staffing shortage, and later in the meeting authorized the hiring of Aleah Byas as Executive Assistant following a search that attracted more than 100 applicants. 

During discussion of the Executive Assistant position, selectmen reviewed how the role has evolved following the creation of the town's community and communications position. While communications responsibilities have shifted elsewhere, officials said the position will continue supporting the First Selectman and newly hired Administrative Officer Scott Roberts with coordination of agendas, meeting preparation, civic events, resident inquiries and other administrative functions. Board members said they intend to monitor how the revised staffing structure functions as responsibilities are distributed among the town's expanded administrative team.

Click below to watch WGATV's full recording of the July 21, 2026 Special Board of Selectmen meeting.