Introducing Woodbridge Neighbors for Responsible Development

Guest Opinion By Bonnie Blake

As Woodbridge continues to navigate complex land-use and zoning questions, many residents are seeking clear, accessible information about proposals that may shape the town’s future. In response to that need, a group of residents from across town and across the political spectrum came together to form Woodbridge Neighbors for Responsible Development — a registered nonprofit organization focused on education, transparency, and informed civic participation. The organization is non-political.

Like many communities, Woodbridge relies on volunteer boards, technical studies, and public hearings to evaluate development proposals that can have long-term implications for infrastructure, schools, traffic, and neighborhood character. These processes work best when residents understand how they function and how to participate constructively.

Several development proposals are currently under review in Woodbridge, including a proposed residential project on Beecher Road, located across from Beecher Road School. Materials submitted to town commissions describe a four-story apartment building with approximately 100 units, including a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments. Because this proposal is moving through the review process on a timeline governed by state affordable housing law (CGS § 8-30g), upcoming meetings will be especially important opportunities for public observation and comment.

Woodbridge Neighbors for Responsible Development is reaching out to the community to share information and to help residents better understand technical materials and reports that are part of the public record, which can be challenging to interpret without background in land-use or environmental review.

No matter what your political leanings are, many residents share an interest in ensuring that decisions about how Woodbridge develops are made with strong local understanding and public participation.

Many residents also express an interest in responsible development in all areas of town — for both businesses and residences, including affordable housing — with careful consideration of community context, infrastructure, and long-term impacts.

There are many ways to pursue growth while being mindful of schools, public services, and neighborhood character. Residents play an important role by learning the facts and participating in public review opportunities.

The proposed Beecher Road development has drawn particular attention because of its location across from the town’s only grade school and among historic properties. Decisions made at this stage will shape how that site is used for years to come. While this proposal is a current focus due to the timing of upcoming reviews, the group’s broader goal is to help residents stay informed and engaged with zoning and development issues across town on an ongoing basis.

The Beecher Road project will be reviewed at an upcoming Inland Wetlands public hearing on Wednesday, January 21, at 7:30 p.m., in the Center Café, 4 Meetinghouse. The agenda is available at the Town website.

Experts retained by the applicant will present their reports as part of the review process. Members of the public, including members of Woodbridge Neighbors for Responsible Development, may attend to listen, ask questions, or offer comments based on their review of materials in the public record. If you cannot attend or are uncomfortable speaking in public, written comments may be submitted by email by 3:00 pm on Wednesday to ksullivan@woodbridgect.org.

Residents who wish to learn more are invited to visit the group’s Facebook page, Woodbridge Neighbors for Responsible Development, where information about public meetings, review processes, and educational resources will be shared. Or send an email to woodbridge.neighbors2025@gmail.com to receive updates by email.

An informed community is essential to responsible growth. This new organization aims to help ensure that Woodbridge residents have the information they need to engage thoughtfully in decisions that affect the town we share. Everyone is welcome to join us!

Editor’s Note: 

Both Community Voice guest opinion pieces and Letters to the Editor reflect the views of their authors and not necessarily those of the Woodbridge Town Chronicle. Submissions are reviewed and curated by the editor. Learn more about our submission process by reading the Submissions and Editorial Guidelines.