[HISTORY: Adopted by the Legislative Council of the Town of Newtown 4-11-1990 (Ord. No. 68). Amendments noted where applicable.]
The Legislative Council of the Town of Newtown declares that a local housing partnership be formed, in accordance with § 8-336f of the Connecticut General Statutes, as amended, for the purpose of identifying and addressing housing needs of the Town of Newtown and developing ways to increase the supply and availability of affordable housing in the Town of Newtown.
The Newtown Housing Partnership is hereby established and enacted pursuant to the authority contained in and for the purposes set forth in § 8-336f of the Connecticut General Statutes, as amended.
A. 
The membership of the Newtown Housing Partnership shall be appointed by the First Selectman of the Town of Newtown with the approval of the Board of Selectmen and shall consist of the following persons, all of whom shall be electors of the Town of Newtown:
(1) 
The First Selectman of the Town of Newtown.
(2) 
At least one representative from the Planning and Zoning Commission.
(3) 
At least one representative from the Conservation Commission.
(4) 
At least one representative from the Newtown Housing for the Elderly Board of Directors.
(5) 
At least one representative from the Economic Development Commission.
(6) 
Two representatives of the local business community, such as local bankers, realtors and developers.
(7) 
Two representatives of local public interest groups, such as members of the clergy, members of civic groups or representatives of nonprofit corporations.
(8) 
One member who represents planning, land use or housing professionals.
B. 
The Newtown Housing Partnership shall not exceed 13 members, including the First Selectman.
A. 
The First Selectman shall serve as a member of the Newtown Housing Partnership during his/her term of office.
B. 
All other members shall serve for terms of three years to be staggered. Initially, the members shall be appointed: 1/3 for terms expiring on January 1, 1991, 1/3 for terms expiring January 1, 1992, and 1/3 for terms expiring on January 1, 1993. Thereafter, appointments shall be for terms of three years.
C. 
The term of office of any member who represents a land use commission, Newtown Housing for the Elderly Board, or Economic Development Commission shall expire immediately if said member ceases to be a member of said commission or board.
The responsibilities of the Town of Newtown, in order to receive initial designation under the Connecticut Housing Partnership Program, shall include the following:
A. 
Submission of evidence to the Commissioner of Housing that the Newtown Housing Partnership has been formed in accordance with P.A. 88-305; and
B. 
Submission of evidence to the Commissioner of Housing that sufficient local resources have been committed to the Newtown Housing Partnership.
The duties of the Newtown Housing Partnership, in order to receive development designation under the Connecticut Housing Partnership Program, shall include the following:
A. 
To examine and identify housing needs and opportunities in the Town of Newtown.
B. 
To investigate the availability of any state, municipal, or other land within the Town of Newtown which is suitable for the development of affordable housing.
C. 
To review applicable zoning regulations to determine whether such regulations restrict the development of affordable housing in Newtown.
D. 
To identify and recommend to the Planning and Zoning Commission necessary changes to Chapter 490, Zoning, to eliminate or lessen these restrictions.
E. 
To establish priorities and develop a long-range plan to meet identified housing needs in the Town of Newtown consistent with regional housing needs.
F. 
To establish procedures for the development of a written proposal to achieve such priorities in accordance with said plan.
G. 
To start an activity, development or project designed to create additional affordable housing in the Town of Newtown. Any such activity, development or project must be approved by the Board of Selectmen before it is undertaken by the Newtown Housing Partnership.
This chapter shall not be construed so as to conflict with any state or federal statute, rule or regulation.
All appropriations and expenditures of the Newtown Housing Partnership shall be made subject to and shall be in strict compliance with the applicable provision of the Charter of Newtown. All contracts with consultants, state agencies or others must be approved and authorized by the Board of Selectmen prior to being executed or implemented by the Housing Partnership.