Ridgefield Board Of Selectpersons Reviews Senior Tax Credit Plan, Zoning Proposals

RIDGEFIELD, CT — The Ridgefield Board of Selectpersons on Aug. 13 reviewed recommendations to expand senior tax credits, considered zoning regulation changes, and scheduled public hearings on several town ordinances.

The Senior Tax Credit Committee presented final recommendations after months of study. Proposals include raising the non-income tested credit from $1,048 to $1,200 in fiscal year 2026-27 and $1,400 in 2027-28, along with new supplemental credits tied to income and longevity of residency. The plan also calls for indexing future increases to tax growth or Social Security adjustments.

Selectpersons also heard from the Architectural Advisory Committee, which is seeking changes to zoning rules. The proposals would regulate retaining walls, require open space in multi-family projects, restrict tandem parking, and set new rules for signage, lighting, and landscaping.

The board agreed to send a Section 8-24 referral to the Planning and Zoning Commission for work on the Norwalk River Valley Trail. A public hearing Sept. 3 and a special town meeting Sept. 17 will cover updates to motorized transport rules, revisions to the Tertiary Road Ordinance, and the creation of an Affordable Housing Trust Fund.

In other business, the board approved an agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice to improve ADA compliance in town-owned parking lots near Governor Street and the library. Officials also reported progress on redesigning the Public Safety Building Project after voters rejected it earlier this year.