It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Ogden House gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Fairfield, CT is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“The staff at ABC has been wonderful! It's easy to reach them, they are responsive,”
“We would like to express our appreciation and thanks for the in-home care that Always”
“I just wanted express our thoughts about Mary, who was the caregiver for the weekend.”
“Excellent company, very experienced management and staffs. Highly recommend”
“Thank you so much for your kind , personalized service. My mother was always resistant”
“We would like to express our appreciation and thanks for the in-home care that Always”
“Always Best Care Services is a good place to get good care. The employees would”
“My mother was in need of help after she broke her hip at 101 years”
“The staff at ABC has been wonderful! It's easy to reach them, they are responsive, respectful, and cheerful. This was the first step in getting outside assistance for our Mom and we were so impressed with how thorough the care was - the first helper checked to see that her home was safe and that she knew how to use her cell phone. We'd highly recommend using their in home care.”
“We would like to express our appreciation and thanks for the in-home care that Always Best Care is providing our parents. You have guided us through this very difficult time and have helped us deal with my mother’s illness and her inability to care for my dad. Your caregivers are very capable and caring, and your staff is competent and thorough. We believe this makes your company invaluable to families with loved ones in need of assistance. We would recommend Always Best Care to anybody in search of quality care for their loved one. Thank you for all you and your staff do.”
“I just wanted express our thoughts about Mary, who was the caregiver for the weekend. We all thought she was wonderful!! I think her biggest strength is that she sees the work, needs little/to no direction, offers to take things out of our hands, and is a true-go-getter. For Billie, this type of help is great since she feels like she can take some time to rest and trust all is okay. Mary works hard and is also very patient. I really think Mary is a natural dealing with elderly. She is patient and kind! Anyway, what I wanted to ask is if Mary can be the consistent caregiver for the weekends. The other 4 caregivers that I have met are also very nice. We would like Mary as much as possible as she is punctual, and as I mentioned before, sees what needs doing. She is focused on what she can do to help. She doesnt just sit there next to Bill, she has eyes in the back of her head and goes the extra mile. Anything that needs to get done, she says no wait, let me do it if she hasnt already initiated it herself. She seems to have endless energy and never complained. I just felt compelled to drop you a this note to let you know how impressed we were with her. Thanks”
“Excellent company, very experienced management and staffs. Highly recommend”
“Thank you so much for your kind , personalized service. My mother was always resistant to have someone come into her home to help care for her, but she is very, very pleased with Betsy. Not only does she have someone to keep her company and meet her physical needs—her kitchen is looking cleaner than I have seen it in a while. Thank you again. Your kind manner was reassuring to my mother and to me, and you have made the process of caring for my mother at home easy, and provided me with much needed relief so that I can actually return to work with a calm mind.”
“We would like to express our appreciation and thanks for the in-home care that Always Best Care is providing our parents. You have guided us through this very difficult time and have helped us deal with my mother’s illness and her inability to care for my dad. Your caregivers are very capable and caring, and your staff is competent and thorough. We believe this makes your company invaluable to families with loved ones in need of assistance. We would recommend Always Best Care to anybody in search of quality care for their loved one. Thank you for all you and your staff do.”
“Always Best Care Services is a good place to get good care. The employees would do their very best to take care of you in your time of need. I will recommended this facility to family and friends. I want to thank you so much for the exceptional care you took of my dad. I hold your agency in the highest regard and you have my deepest appreciation.”
“My mother was in need of help after she broke her hip at 101 years old. She refused to leave her home. Susan Oderwald took wonderful care of her. She found caregivers for her who treated her with kid gloves and she herself went above and beyond by getting papers signed, visiting her in the hospital and fetching things for her. I don't know what I would have done without her, since I live 3,000 miles away. I highly recommend her, her services and her staff of caregivers.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Riverside Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local BONDA Restaurant or visit Fairfield Burr Homestead, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Fairfield, CT, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Fairfield, CT understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Fairfield, CT 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
FAIRFIELD, CT — Pet Pantry Warehouse will host its annual Fairfield Dog Days event on Sunday, June 22, at Old Town Hall Green, bringing together pet owners, local businesses, and nonprofit groups to raise awareness and funds for animal rescue efforts.The family-friendly outdoor festival, scheduled from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., is free and open to the public. Activities will include lure coursing for dogs, face painting, caricature drawings, a bone bar, splash park, food trucks, and an ice cream station for pets.Adopt-A-Dog, a n...
FAIRFIELD, CT — Pet Pantry Warehouse will host its annual Fairfield Dog Days event on Sunday, June 22, at Old Town Hall Green, bringing together pet owners, local businesses, and nonprofit groups to raise awareness and funds for animal rescue efforts.
The family-friendly outdoor festival, scheduled from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., is free and open to the public. Activities will include lure coursing for dogs, face painting, caricature drawings, a bone bar, splash park, food trucks, and an ice cream station for pets.
Adopt-A-Dog, a nonprofit animal shelter, is among the beneficiaries of the event. “It’s a wonderful event for the community with activities for kids and adults,” said Christine Amato, Executive Director of Adopt-A-Dog. “We look forward to showcasing some of our adoptable pets and hope to connect with new foster families.”
Vendors interested in participating can apply for tent space through the Fairfield Chamber of Commerce website or by contacting event coordinator Katelyn Thaler. Tent spaces are 10-by-10 feet and limited in availability.
“The Fairfield event draws over 1,500 attendees each year,” said Beverly Balaz, President of the Fairfield Chamber of Commerce. “While the event is centered around dogs, vendors offering a wide range of products tend to see strong interest from the public.”
The Fairfield Dog Days festival is one of several seasonal events hosted by Pet Pantry Warehouse. Additional 2025 events include:
Major sponsors for this year’s Dog Days include First Mate, Raised Right, and Open Farm. Other contributing brands such as Earth Animal, Primal, Stella & Chewy’s, and Fromm will offer free product samples during the event.
“These events have become a staple in Fairfield County,” said Adam Jacobson, Executive Vice President of Pet Pantry Warehouse. “They’re designed to build community while supporting the welfare of pets and those who care for them.”
For more information about the event, sponsorships, or volunteer opportunities, visit www.ppwpet.com or follow @ppwpet on social media.
Event Details:
What: Fairfield Dog Days 2025When: Sunday, June 22, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.Where: Old Town Hall Green, 611 Old Post Road, Fairfield, CTEvent registration is also available via Eventbrite
The grant is one of more than 40 that Gov. Ned Lamont said are going to small towns throughout the state.FAIRFIELD, CT — Fairfield is receiving $601,170 from the state to go toward repaving and pedestrian improvements on Reef Road, Gov. Ned Lamont announced on Wednesday.The grant is one of more than 40 going to small towns throughout the state "to complete a wide variety of infrastructure improvements, such as road safety reconstruction projects, emergency management upgrades, sidewalk and pedestrian safety enhance...
FAIRFIELD, CT — Fairfield is receiving $601,170 from the state to go toward repaving and pedestrian improvements on Reef Road, Gov. Ned Lamont announced on Wednesday.
The grant is one of more than 40 going to small towns throughout the state "to complete a wide variety of infrastructure improvements, such as road safety reconstruction projects, emergency management upgrades, sidewalk and pedestrian safety enhancements, educational and recreational facility upgrades, and other kinds of capital improvement projects."
A total of $30 million has been earmarked for the grants. Towns had to apply by Feb. 20 to be considered for the funds.
"Our small towns are an important part of what makes Connecticut such a special place to live and work," Lamont said in a statement. "By partnering with each town, we can help get these infrastructure projects completed so these towns can continue to thrive, remain competitive, attract businesses, and improve the quality of life for our residents."
Fairfield is contributing $150,292 toward the effort.
The grants are being provided through the Small Town Economic Assistance Program, a state program managed by the Connecticut Office of Policy and Management that delivers grants to small towns for economic development, community conservation, and quality-of-life capital projects, according to officials.
In addition to the grants from the state, each municipality is also contributing funds, bringing the total spent on the 48 projects to $43.4 million in a combination of state, local, and other funding sources.
Funding to support the grants was recently approved by the State Bond Commission, of which Lamont is the Chair.
CONNECTICUT — It appears that we may all want to look up to the sky tonight and early Monday in the hopes of catching something truly rare and special.Forecasters say we have a good chance of seeing the northern lights in Connecticut Sunday night into Monday morning.The Space Weather Prediction Center has issued a G4 Geomagnetic Storm Watch for June 1 into June 2.WFSB 3 TV ...
CONNECTICUT — It appears that we may all want to look up to the sky tonight and early Monday in the hopes of catching something truly rare and special.
Forecasters say we have a good chance of seeing the northern lights in Connecticut Sunday night into Monday morning.
The Space Weather Prediction Center has issued a G4 Geomagnetic Storm Watch for June 1 into June 2.
WFSB 3 TV Meteorologist Scott Gagliardi said in an update Sunday evening that "Tonight: Northern Lights! We will be dodging a few clouds & an isolated shower or 2, but there will be an opportunity for everyone to see them, it just depends on how late you're willing to stay up."
Timeline for when to see the northern lights in Connecticut
"All eyes are looking north as we have an opportunity to see the Northern Lights tonight! We are still seeing plenty of clouds out there this evening, but they will become more scattered as we approach sunset," said WFSB 3 TV meteorologists. "There is also the slightest chance of a brief passing shower as we approach midnight, but this is in no way an all night issue. Everyone in the state will have an opportunity to see the Northern Lights it just depends on how early it starts (likely anytime after 9pm), and how long you are will to stay up. Be patient! Most areas of the state will become mostly clear by 2am. If you do plan on heading out, dress warmly as temperatures will fall back into the 40s for inland towns; near 50 along the shoreline."
The National Weather Service said at 7 p.m. that "A good deal of clouds are expected to linger across a good portion of our area throughout much of the night. However, after midnight there is a good chance that the cloud cover will break up to some degree for potential Aurora viewing."
The New York Times reports that the northern lights may be viewed as south as Alabama.
image via the National Weather Service
The National Weather Space Prediction Center said, "The brightness and location of the aurora is typically shown as a green oval centered on Earth’s magnetic pole. The green ovals turn red when the aurora is forecast to be more intense. Aurora can often be observed somewhere on Earth from just after sunset or just before sunrise. The aurora is not visible during daylight hours. The aurora does not need to be directly overhead but can be observed from as much as 1000 km away when the aurora is bright and if conditions are right."
According to Space.com, Connecticut is one of 20 states that has a chance to see the northern lights. They advise, "head to a north-facing vantage point as far away from light pollution as possible. But as we approach the summer solstice on June 20/21, the window of darkness for observing northern lights is shrinking; the early morning hours around 1 and 2 a.m. might be the best time to try and see the northern lights."
There is a Facebook page called Northern Lights New England, which allows residents from all the states to share photos and videos of what you see. Already, some videos and photos have been posted from Cape Cod and Rhode Island.
Read More: ’Freak Accident’: Child, 3, Badly Burned, Community Rallies To Help
Last May, we also saw the northern lights in Connecticut
If you recall, last May, Connecticut was able to see the northern lights with the naked eye. Social media lit up with photos of the breathtaking imagery.
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Here is one photograph from last year.
State Sen. Tony Hwang discusses his opposition to the housing bill, HB 5002, which was recently passed by the Connecticut House.Updated Thu, May 29, 2025 at 1:19 pm ETThere is no denying that Connecticut faces a serious housing crisis. Across our towns and cities, the need for diverse, affordable, accessible and workforce housing is real. I have long supported innovative and collaborative strategies to meet this need. But ...
Updated Thu, May 29, 2025 at 1:19 pm ET
There is no denying that Connecticut faces a serious housing crisis. Across our towns and cities, the need for diverse, affordable, accessible and workforce housing is real. I have long supported innovative and collaborative strategies to meet this need. But House Bill 5002 is not that solution, it is a flawed process cloaked in good intentions.
What began as a single-section bill to study homelessness quietly morphed into a 47-section omnibus overhaul of Connecticut’s housing law. This dramatic transformation occurred not through consensus or robust debate, but through a strike-all amendment that replaced the bill’s content entirely, without a public hearing or meaningful cognizant committee scrutiny. Such a maneuver undermines transparency, accountability, and the very principles of democratic lawmaking. It undermines trust in our government.
The stakes are too high to allow housing policy to be crafted in the shadows.
I opposed HB 5002 not because I oppose affordable housing, but because I believe how we legislate matters just as much as what we legislate. Our residents deserve better than a hastily assembled, top-down mandate that bypasses community voices.
This bill contains provisions that erode local zoning authority, pressure towns into meeting lofty “fair share” housing quotas, and remove long-standing parking requirements with little regard for traffic, infrastructure, public safety or disability access. It seeks to encourage “transit-oriented development” without first ensuring that the transit infrastructure actually exists, or that communities have the resources to support such density. It invites commercial property conversions into “middle housing” without understanding the long-term impact on schools, roads, water, and sewer systems is an untenable unfunded municipal mandate.
I have been clear in my opposition to one-size-fits-all mandates. Our towns are not the same. From coastal cities to rural farmland, from transit hubs to protected watershed areas, the needs and capacities of each municipality vary widely. This bill fails to reflect that complexity. Worse, it punishes thoughtful local planning and threatens our natural resources and environmental protections, especially in watershed communities like Easton, Redding, and Newtown.
Let’s be clear: Connecticut must act on housing. But that action must be guided by collaboration, not coercion. It must uplift local innovation, not override it. And it must be pursued through transparent, inclusive legislation, not political maneuvering.
Governor Ned Lamont has acknowledged the need for balance, stating his appreciation for legislative accommodations that include his priorities that includes municipal engagement, aiding and incentivizing to remove local barriers to housing development while allowing municipalities to maintain community, environmental and infrastructure control. He emphasized that "there is no one-size-fits-all approach to addressing the housing shortage," highlighting the importance of collaboration between the private sector, local leadership and state and federal government.
I echo the Governor's sentiments and advocate for a housing policy that respects the autonomy of local governments, ensures environmental protections, and considers infrastructure capacities. Our approach must be inclusive, transparent, and tailored to the specific needs of each community.
The Senate now has the responsibility to fix what the House has rushed. I urge my colleagues to slow this process down. Let’s return to open hearings, community dialogue, and smart, flexible housing solutions that honor our values and protect our future.
Connecticut’s housing future cannot be built on a foundation of legislative shortcuts.
— The opinion essay above was written by state Sen. Tony Hwang (R-28th), who represents Bethel, Easton, Fairfield, and Newtown.
...
HB 5002, a monster unworkable housing bill was passed late last night despite bi-partisan opposition and an outpouring of emails and phone calls from residents urging lawmakers not to pass this onerous bill. For those who reached out to our lawmakers, I thank you for having your voice heard. It's vital to our process! The bill passed late [Tuesday] night in an 84 to 67 vote.
I watched most of the 11-hour debate via streaming, and I appreciate those who spoke in opposition of the bill and the many amendments that were filed to make it more palatable -- which all failed by party lines. Approaching 11 p.m. on Tuesday night, the vote concluded, and I was in disbelief of the results just like many people in Fairfield and Connecticut who value local control of zoning and land-use decisions. It came just as we had finished our own Town Plan & Zoning Commission meeting which could be a much different place as our decision making will be limited if HB 5002 gets passed by the State Senate.
As a watcher of housing legislation for many years, I find it unfortunate that the earnest work of many towns including Fairfield to create affordable housing and a diversity of housing stock is not recognized. "Keeping the suburbs" accountable is a terrible policy from lawmakers in Hartford who may not have visited our communities or seen firsthand the work that we do. Beauty also matters and having our unique and historical suburbs crammed with outsized developments and apartment buildings will change our landscape forever. Will there be a glut of housing at some point soon with high vacancy rates? Our population is not growing so much that it requires all of this housing stock.
Once land is developed, it's gone forever.
Maybe we will officially become the City of Fairfield through the mandates in HB 5002.
The impact of HB 5002 on our environment: I first ran for zoning because I was always concerned about environmental impacts of development. The planning aspect and zoning aspects by our communities are severely impacted by HB 5002. That adverse impact along with the extreme development pressure will result in the State never meeting is 21% of open space goal which the towns are supposed to also do, and we will continue to lose sense of environmental areas we will continue to invade the 100-ft buffer most towns have around inland wetlands and allow construction activity well within 100 ft of a tidal wetland.
At this time of climate change the DEEP has warned us sea level will rise 20 inches by 2050 there will be increasingly extreme storm events as well as sunny day flooding. We need open space, expanded and enforced 100 ft buffers around both inland wetlands and tidal wetlands. This is a time when we need to think about expanding our protection of our natural resources as a first line of defense against climate change impacts.
Instead, this bill puts multifamily residential development on the far higher priority than anything else and completely ignores our needs to use nature-based solutions to combat climate change. I don't think that's good policy.
HB 5002 now heads to the Senate where further changes will likely be made but not sure for the better.
What's in the bill?
The bill is expected to move to the Senate in the next day or so. I urge you to not only contact State Sen. Tony Hwang but also Majority Leader Bob Duff and Senate Pro Tempore Martin Looney and urge them all to vote no. The good news is that Fairfield's State Reps. Keitt and Leeper voted against the bill, however, Fairfield State Rep. McCarthy Vahey voted for it.
The battle continues.
As always, thank you for your time and consideration.
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