Zoning and the Role of the First Selectman
October 22, 2025
Dear Neighbor,
Last night, in yet another Town Plan and Zoning commission meeting, the saga of the 804 Fountain Street proposal continued. The public hearing was continued to December 1st because the TPZ had not yet received professional feedback on certain aspects of the developer’s latest plans. You can view the meeting here:
Against this backdrop, it’s worth examining the role of the First Selectman in setting zoning policy.
Our Town Charter specifically defines the First Selectman’s role as follows:
Woodbridge Town Charter, Section 5-4:
General responsibility.
(a) Under the general policy direction of the Board of Selectmen, the First Selectman shall be responsible for:
(1) Coordinating the administration of the offices, boards, commissions and other agencies of the Town with the Board of Education and the Town Plan and Zoning Commission and other agencies and with each other;
(2) The execution and carrying out of ordinances, resolutions and policies voted by the Board of Selectmen and the Town Meeting;
(3) A continuous review of the current and future needs of the Town;
(4) Coordination and guidance of the Selectmen in the discharge of all the Boards duties and responsibilities.
Current First Selectman Cardozo’s campaign is attempting to distance him from the 804 Fountain Street proposal, claiming it would be somehow improper for him to be involved in the town’s policy related to development and zoning. Yet our Charter shows that this is exactly his role.
Either Cardozo followed the Charter and coordinated with the TPZ on zoning policy, or he shirked his responsibilities.
Based on his participation at the December 2, 2024 TPZ meeting as an ex officio member, we think he did the former.
This photo shows that Cardozo participated in the very meeting on December 2, 2024 where the TPZ amended its regulations to accommodate the developer’s 804 Fountain Street proposal.
Fortunately, the Woodbridge Park Association and Woodbridge Land Trust have intervened in the 804 Fountain Street application hearing. Together the WPA and WLT have submitted substantial evidence that the construction of the proposed building would inflict irreversible environmental harm.
We’re also happy to report that last night a majority of the TPZ members voted to hold a hearing on January 5, 2026 regarding (a) the potential reversal of their December 2, 2024 regulation changes and (b) the exploration of alternative Opportunity Housing regulations. We applaud them for taking this step independent of political considerations. Notably, they had the opportunity to do exactly this last May, in response to Stephen Mason’s application, but refused to do so.
If the A Common Ground for Woodbridge team is elected, we will diligently pursue TPZ regulations that promote diverse housing opportunity without relying on large, four-story apartment buildings. We will be fully transparent and assure ample public input.