Connecticut

Connecticut housing crisis persists as Governor Lamont vetoes reform bill

Published

4 weeks ago

October 10, 2025

Connecticut housing crisis persists as Governor Lamont vetoes reform bill

A political stalemate in Connecticut is a stark reminder that the housing crisis engulfing the country is a local issue that leaves some policy proposals at the mercy of community residents who may have little incentive to change their own neighborhoods.

Connecticut lawmakers spent months working on House Bill 5002, along with the office of Governor Ned Lamont, a Democrat, and housing advocates from across the state. Among other things, it would have encouraged towns to rework their zoning laws to accommodate development for more-affordable housing.

The bill was approved by the legislature in June but when it landed on Lamont’s desk, several groups organized in opposition. At issue was the question of how much say each municipality would have in allowing that new development, with opponents claiming untruthfully that the state wanted to mandate specific quotas for new homes.

Lamont eventually vetoed the bill, saying, “I just don’t think that it works when it’s us against them.”

Local housing activists were surprised by the about-face – and left frustrated.

“Housing requires a long lead time and financing and a lot of different pieces – financial, physical, legal – that have to come together. So even on a good day, it’s a complicated process,” said Tim Hollister, a partner with Hartford-based law firm Hinckley Allen, who’s worked on behalf of all sides of development deals over his career and has written several op-eds in local papers supporting the goals of the Connecticut bill.

Years of underbuilding coupled with strict zoning in many parts of the country and, more recently, higher interest rates, have combined to create an acute shortage of housing and an affordability crisis.

In the Northeast in particular, Hollister said, the more open, participatory political process is “both our blessing and our curse. We have set up a system that makes opposition against housing real and consequential. So it’s hard to develop, and we have a system that encourages or allows restrictions and discrimination and opposition, all ladled on top of the regular difficulties.”

Connecticut has a housing crisis

One thing that all sides can agree on: Connecticut needs more housing. A 2025 report commissioned by the legislature concluded that the state is “the most constrained housing market in the country—measured as the number of units available for year-round occupancy per household.”

The state’s older housing stock and popularity among those seeking beachfront vacation homes or easy commutes into New York City contribute to the scarcity, the report added.

“Connecticut’s overall population is aging and in decline, as many younger families cannot afford to move into existing housing, while seniors wishing to downsize lack housing choice in size and variety,” the authors wrote. They estimated the need for more housing at between 120,000 and 380,000 additional units.

“If you talk to someone in the grocery store, they’re going to tell you that their kid is in their basement and that they don’t know what they’re going to do with their aging parent,” said Melissa Kaplan-Macey, the chief initiative officer at The Housing Collective, a nonpartisan homeless services organization.

“Noone is against affordable housing,” said Senate Minority Leader Stephen Harding, a Republican, in an interview. “Many of the communities that objected very loudly are communities that have taken it upon themselves to develop affordable housing.”

But Harding voted against the bill because, he said, “There was an arbitrary breakdown that designated how much affordable housing the community had to have and if you didn’t have that, the state would determine what your punishment was.”

Harding sees senior housing as a particular challenge. Many older residents want to stay in their communities, but downsize into a smaller, easier-to-maintain residence. But state zoning laws prioritize the construction of homes affordable to low- and moderate- income residents over senior housing, Harding said.

“That’s the problem with statewide zoning,” he said.

Towns want ‘local control’ over policy

Allowing the state to manage rulemaking, like zoning, was the main sticking point that derailed HB 5002.

The bill established a community-by-community allocation and encouraged cities and towns to develop new housing according to it. It would have prioritized state funding for those municipalities that complied, but states overtly that it would not have withheld aid or otherwise punished local communities.

But opponents, mostly representing wealthier communities, said the bill contained punitive requirements from the state. In a press conference after vetoing the bill, Lamont called it a “planning document” and not a mandate, but said the opposition influenced his decision to nix the bill anyway.

“The Governor ultimately did not sign the housing bill into law because of concerns he had around whether local leaders would be able to achieve the goals outlined in the bill,” a spokesperson for Lamont said in a statement emailed to USA TODAY.

“The Governor, working with the legislature over the past several years, has been actively working to put more financial resources into housing construction,” the statement continued. “One thing we have learned from that work is that local leaders need to be bought in to the solution – and it was clear that was not the case with this bill.”

Why can’t blue states build housing?

Some housing advocates see parallels between Connecticut’s experience and the challenges in neighboring Massachusetts, where the state in 2024 took one community to court when it refused to adhere to a law mandating planning for housing.

“I think some of it (getting policy made) is having a little bit more political courage to do things that may seem unpopular at first,” said Jonathan Berk, founder of the real estate and placemaking consultancy re:MAIN and a Massachusetts resident.

In the Bay State, legislators are now more “gun shy” about working in favor of additional housing measures because some constituents have said they don’t like the statewide legislation, Berk said. “A lot of that is despite polling that shows some of these reforms are actually popular, but it’s that vocal minority, passive majority situation that has played itself out in local housing decisions for decades across the Northeast.”

In Connecticut, some advocates are trying to see the silver lining.

“What is really fascinating about the way the conversation around this has changed over the last year is we are not talking as much about whether we need these goals or not, but what those goals should be, which is a giant shift,” said Erin Boggs, executive director of the Open Communities Alliance, a fair housing and affordable housing group.

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Connecticut

CT lawmakers plan special session as families worry about SNAP, other federal aid

Published

1 day ago

November 3, 2025

Press Room

CT lawmakers plan special session as families worry about SNAP, other federal aid

As the federal government shutdown rolls into its second month, questions mount for people relying on a range of federally-funded benefits.

Connecticut lawmakers are negotiating the parameters of a bill to set aside as much as $500 million to help households relying on various assistance programs and subsidies.

“Right now, my number one priority on a timely basis is taking care of people who were hit and hit hard by this shutdown,” Gov. Ned Lamont (D-Connecticut) said during a press conference at Hands on Hartford.

There’s bipartisan support for a response to several concerns over federal funding, including:

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is paying for half the monthly benefits in November, leaving questions about when those payments will come and what might happen if the shutdown continues into December.
The shutdown continues as Democrats and Republicans disagree over the future of subsidies for people who buy health insurance through Affordable Care Act exchanges.
And stats have not received money from the Low-Income Heating Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP, because Congress has not approved a spending plan.

Democratic and Republican leaders have said the goal is to put money aside in case federal funding for specific benefits are cut or frozen.

The intent is to make sure benefits continue through early February, when lawmakers return to the capitol. There is debate about whether the money should come from the Rainy Day Fund or a surplus within the existing budget.

Either way, lawmakers said they want to help families relying on programs like SNAP.

“I think we should have started figuring it out two weeks ago because there were some people who were optimistic,” Rep. Vincent Candelora (R-Minority Leader) said. “I just don’t see the shutdown ending anytime soon.”

That could include making sure households receive their full benefit and setting aside money in case the shutdown drags on and the USDA fails to fund the program again in December.

Lamont said Monday that Connecticut could copy what states like Vermont, Virginia and Utah have done, putting money onto the EBT cards SNAP beneficiaries already have.

“It was a bouncing ball there for a while, we have a pretty good idea now,” he said. “We will be able to use the EBT card. We can potentially do cash on that if this thing goes a lot longer.”

The state did give $3 million to Foodshare last week, helping the organization purchase six million additional meals.

Those meals will be distributed over the next two weeks through Foodshare’s existing network, starting Monday.

Janet Bermudez, executive director of Hands on Hartford, said families coming to her pantry are looking everywhere they can for help after not receiving benefits on Saturday.

“Folks that are not receiving their SNAP benefits are becoming anxious, desperate,” she said, estimating the pantry saw a 20% increase in demand even before Saturday.

She said families, and not just those on SNAP, have been asking for more help as they also pay more for electricity, housing and other costs.

Bermudez said that’s one of the reasons pantries alone can’t make up for the assistance families are losing through SNAP.

“What we’re able to give out is about 40 pounds of groceries, and that, I know, does not feed a family for a month,” she said.

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Connecticut

This Artistic Connecticut Airbnb With A Pool And Zen Vibes Was Once Home To Mount Rushmore’s Creator – Islands

Published

2 days ago

November 3, 2025

Press Room

This Artistic Connecticut Airbnb With A Pool And Zen Vibes Was Once Home To Mount Rushmore’s Creator – Islands

The charm of an Airbnb lies in its promise of a one-of-a-kind stay. From treehouses in Texas to isolated cottages in Iceland, Airbnb has built its reputation on offering distinctive, self-catering accommodations. Among these unique stays is a striking property in the heart of Stamford, Connecticut, known as the ZenHouse.

Beyond its mid-century aesthetic, this artistic Airbnb was once home to the creator of Mount Rushmore. American sculptor Gutzon Borglum, who lived here while creating some of his most celebrated works, famously carved the giant faces of four U.S. presidents along the stunning South Dakota road trip route. Today, the ZenHouse is a retreat for guests, with a sparkling pool, zen vibes, and an impressive 4.95-star rating from over 250 reviews.

The host is an Airbnb Superhost; in other words, a trusted, top-tier host with a solid track record. As of October 2025, the host holds a perfect five-point rating for both communication and check-in, and guest reviews echo this sentiment. One reviewer, Mourad, wrote: “Olga is an amazing host — thoughtful, kind, and generous. From offering an early check-out to avoid traffic to bringing us pastries and tea, she truly went above and beyond.” Another guest from fall 2025 added that she ‘has so much love and knowledge of this property and its history’.

The host has clearly gone above and beyond to make every detail count. Upon arrival, guests are invited to join a guided meditation walk, a Japanese tradition to help acquaint you with the space. Inside, thoughtful touches like board games, books, exercise equipment, a zen garden, and complimentary tea all contribute to the home’s lived-in charm.

A mid-century guest cottage with a monumental garden

The house itself is modest and unassuming, especially considering the colossal national artistic achievement of its former owner. It’s technically a guest cottage on a 3.5-acre estate shared with the current owners. The home was built around 1955 in classic mid-century modern style. The single-story, open-concept layout has one bedroom and two bathrooms, ideal for two guests.

Interiors embrace neutral tones, wooden touches, and expansive glasswork characteristic of mid 20th-century architecture. There is even a subtle Japanese aesthetic, complemented by artwork created by the owners themselves. Guests are encouraged to channel their own creativity, too, with an easel, fresh canvas, and paint provided for each new arrival.

The garden, on the other hand, is anything but small. Set in a wooded landscape that borders the Rippowam River and a small pond home to a resident swan named Gatsby, the grounds are easy to get lost in. The guesthouse sits next to the heated swimming pool, available for an additional fee of $100 per day during summer months.

The private, fenced-in gardens offer guests access to a fire pit, outdoor dining area with a BBQ, and pool loungers. On-site parking is free, and a private entrance allows you to come and go as you please. It’s also worth mentioning that gardeners tend to the property on Tuesday mornings, while pool cleaning happens every Wednesday.

What makes this property stand out is its versatility. While the cottage comfortably sleeps two, the kitchen is equipped for a larger group. Although guests need to get permission to invite visitors onto the property, the images suggest that you can host intimate dinners, provided the atmosphere stays relaxed and respectful. The hosts are also happy to elevate the experience with private chef dining and flower arrangements.

Everything you need to know about location of ZenHouse

ZenHouse is set in a quiet corner of Stamford, a picturesque, yet lively New England city that was once considered a residential suburb of New York City, just 40 miles from The Big Apple.Stamford is now a major business hub, home to financial headquarters and publishing firms.

Despite its proximity to Manhattan, this Airbnb feels worlds away. It’s tucked away in a leafy suburb of North Stamford, practically surrounded by towering trees and gardens. Adding to the seclusion, the pool sits between two massive stone walls, remnants of Borglum’s former outdoor studio. He designed the space to be almost completely surrounded by the river, creating a private and inspiring setting for his work. At the time, you had to cross a drawbridge to get to his studio.

The neighborhood in general is a hotspot for golf and tennis, which means plenty of open green spaces and fresh air. Location-wise, it’s conveniently within 3 miles of the Stamford Museum and Nature Center, the Bartlett Arboretum and Gardens, and Sterling Farms Golf Course. For travelers, the closest international airport is LaGuardia, which is just 36 miles from the property.

John F. Kennedy is also pretty close — about an hour away. Both JFK and LaGuardia airports connect with just about every major U.S. city as well as plenty of international destinations. The house comes fully equipped with all the usual necessities, but doesn’t include a washer. That said, there is a laundromat nearby, as well as a center with a Trader Joe’s and CVS just across the Merritt Parkway.

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Connecticut

The oldest restaurant in CT is more than 200 years old. How to eat there

Published

3 days ago

November 2, 2025

Press Room

The oldest restaurant in CT is more than 200 years old. How to eat there

You know a restaurant is quality when it’s lasted for more than 250 years.

Twelve years older than the United States itself, the oldest restaurant in Connecticut first opened for business in 1754 in Woodbury Connecticut. . First built by Rev. Anthony Stoddard as a family house in 1734, in 1754 it was converted to a business and inn, the oldest in the state.

This colonial site has remained operational as an inn and tavern for the 250+ years its original opening, despite one brief pause before WWII. Originally called the Curtis House, the site has undergone many name changes, landing on The 1754 House in 2020.

Want to have a dining experience with over 200 years of history? Here’s all the details about eating at The 1754 House today.

About dining at 1754 House

Today, the colonial inn has two dining areas – the 1754 Dining Room, the main dining spot, and The Flat Five, a Blues tavern with pub fare and live music.

While the formal dining room and relaxed tavern differ in atmosphere, the menus are largely the same. 1754 House serves up American comfort food classics with New England roots.

An extensive wine list joins a creative lineup of craft cocktails, including New England-inspired mouthfuls like the Maple-Bacon Old Fashioned.

How to eat at 1754 House

Flat Five Blues Tavern is open Wednesday-Saturday from 5-10 p.m., and the 1754 Dining Room is open Tuesday-Thursday from 4-9 p.m., Friday-Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The 1754 House is located at 506 Main St. South in Woodbury.

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