The views stated here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the editors of this newspaper. We welcome supporting or opposing views on any published item. Received April 24, 2025.
The Cove may become a destination spot, but not the kind we have in mind.
In the Connecticut General Assembly, HB-7033 cleared the Housing Committee (14 Yea, 4 Nay, 2 Absent) and is currently co-sponsored by twelve legislators; plus it is #171 on the House calendar to be voted on this session.
If voted into law, Higganum Cove could become an ideal spot for a homeless encampment, with the natural running water and sheltered rock structures, along with other town properties.
H.B. No. 7033 – “AN ACT PROHIBITING A MUNICIPALITY FROM IMPOSING ANY PENALTY ON HOMELESS PERSONS FOR PERFORMING ACTIVITIES OF DAILY LIVING ON PUBLIC LAND.”
https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&which_year=2025&bill_num=7033
From the OLR Bill Analysis report on HB-7033:
“…The bill prohibits municipalities from enacting ordinances that infringe on the right of homeless people to use public spaces…..”
“.. The bill also (1) imposes a civil penalty, fixed by the court, of $50-$100 per offense on any person or municipality that violates the bill’s prohibitions….”
“…Under the bill, “activities of daily living” include, but are specifically not limited to, sleeping or resting, eating or preparing food, seeking shelter from extreme weather, accessing medical care, and using hygiene facilities….”
Haddam has many State and municipal properties (town greens, athletic fields, State Parks, State Forest, etc…) for the homeless to take up residence.
There are many problems this could create, though. Unsanitary conditions without proper facilities, controlled substance misuse, theft for subsistence – properties near these places could be targets, confrontations – homeless often have untreated mental heath issues, language barriers – Connecticut is a sanctuary state and entices with generous taxpayer- funded benefits for illegal aliens to come here.
Is this an unfunded State mandate the residents of Higganum/Haddam are prepared to embrace?
(To get to this bill, either type in “cga.ct.gov” then enter “7033” in the Quick Bill Search field, or click on the link in the body of this letter)
Doug Downey, Higganum
