Danbury Republican Leaders Condemn HB 5002 and Mayor Alves’s Deafening Silence

**News Release Submitted by Danbury Republican Town Committee**

June 9, 2025

The Danbury Republican Town Committee is strongly opposing House Bill 5002, a controversial housing law that strips cities like Danbury of their right to control local development—and is calling out Mayor Roberto Alves for refusing to stand up for his city.

HB 5002 takes decision-making power away from local governments and gives it to unelected state bureaucrats. It weakens environmental protections, eliminates public hearings on major zoning changes, and punishes towns that don’t go along with Hartford’s “fair share” housing mandates.

“This bill is not about affordable housing—it’s about control,” said Michael Coelho, Chairman of the Danbury Republican Town Committee and City Councilman. “It removes authority from the people who actually live in these communities and gives it to the state. Danbury residents, small businesses, and local leaders are being cut out of the process entirely.”

Coelho noted that many mayors—Republican and Democrat alike—across Fairfield County have spoken out against the bill. “We’ve seen real leadership from mayors in Ridgefield, Wilton, Trumbull, Greenwich, and others,” Coelho said. “But here in Danbury, Mayor Roberto Alves remains silent. As both Mayor and Chair of the Connecticut Democratic Party, his silence isn’t just disappointing—it’s disqualifying. It shows he won’t challenge his own party, even when their policies hurt our city.”

City Councilman and Republican Minority Leader Emile Buzaid, who is also running for mayor, echoed the concern.

“This bill usurps power from local towns and cities, and Danburians shouldn’t have to endure planning and zoning decisions made by Hartford,” exclaimed Buzaid, in an interview with HatCityBlog. “The decisions should be made by the people, and a Buzaid administration would lobby against this legislation and protect the Danbury’s interests,” Buzaid affirmed.

The RTC pointed to key issues with HB 5002, including:
• Automatic approvals for dense housing developments with no local review
• Bans on parking requirements for certain projects, ignoring safety and traffic needs
• New state zoning powers that override local boards
• Financial penalties for towns that don’t comply

“This is a one-size-fits-all approach that won’t work for Danbury,” said Coelho. “We need a mayor who will fight for us—not bow to party leadership in Hartford.”

Danbury’s state delegation was split on the bill: Sen. Kushner and Reps. Gucker, Santos, and Godfrey supported it, while Reps. Allie-Brennan and Callahan opposed. Many Democrats in neighboring towns also voted against it.

“Mayor Alves had a chance to lead and protect our city,” Coelho added. “Instead, he chose party politics over the people of Danbury. We won’t forget that.”

The Danbury Republican Town Committee urges residents to speak out and call on Governor Lamont to veto HB 5002 before permanent damage is done.