CITY OF DANBURY
Committee on Housing and Community Development
155 Deer Hill Avenue
Danbury , Connecticut 06810

Minutes of January 10, 2008

Present: Scalzo, Barrows, Lemme, Elpern, Zaborowski

The meeting of the Committee on Housing and Community Development of the Danbury Housing Partnership was held in Danbury City Hall, Planning and Zoning Department conference room, 1^st floor on January 10, 2008. Chairperson Paul Scalzo called the meeting to order at 2:10p.m.

A motion to accept the minutes of December 6, 2007 was made by G. Lemme, seconded by C. Barrows, passed unanimously and placed on file.

Joan Carty, Executive Director for the Housing Development Fund was still ill and could not attend today’s meeting. Chairperson P. Scalzo indicated to the committee that she should be placed on February’s agenda along with the representative from Western Connecticut State University to discuss student housing needs. Mr. Scalzo has been in contact with the Westconn representative who indicated the need for approximately 700 rooms within the next 2-3 years. The university, presently, cannot continue with plans for expanding the campus until the housing situation is addressed.

Mr. Joseph DaSilva was the guest speaker for the Housing and Community Development Committee. Mr. DaSilva indicated that his next housing project before the City is to develop the 3 abandoned buildings located on the corner of Osborne Street and Hospital Avenue. Mr. DaSilva indicated to the committee, that through complete renovation, a total of 16 units could be built. Dennis Elpern had drawn up a plan for Mr. DaSilva that would have the demolition of all 3 buildings and the new construction of one building of 15 units with appropriate parking. Mr. DaSilva is in negotiation to purchase the neighbor house on Hospital Avenue and also speaking with the Westconn representative for providing student housing.

There was extensive discussion on the need for student housing and the possibility of Mr. DaSilva utilizing a majority of his property located on Main Street, Elm Street, Library Place, East Liberty Street, the Pershing Building, the property behind St. Peter’s Church, etc. Discussion involved the revitalization of downtown Danbury, student/parent activity within the community, Palace Theater renovation, changes and usages of retail stores and restaurants, etc.

Mr. DaSilva will be invited back for the March meeting to provide updates on any pending housing projects and future endeavors within the City of Danbury.

The next meeting for the committee, with Joan Carty and the Westconn representative, will be held on Thursday, February 7, 2008. There was no further business to address. A motion to adjourn was made by G. Lemme, seconded by S. Zaborowski, passed unanimously.