Program Description

A law enacted in 1995 established a process for the development of Neighborhood Revitalization Zones (NRZs). The objective of the NRZ process is to revitalize neighborhoods through the collaborative involvement of residents, businesses and government to determine the vision and priorities of the individual neighborhoods. The NRZ process provides a mechanism for local stakeholders, along with local municipal officials, to develop a strategic plan to revitalize their neighborhood. Municipalities wishing to participate in the process may establish zones in one or more of their neighborhoods by a resolution of their legislative body. Connecticut General Statutes Sec. 7-600 through Sec. 7-608 are the laws covering all aspects of the NRZ program.

The neighborhood committee that is formed in response to this resolution shall:

• develop by-laws governing its operations;
• develop a strategic plan;
• develop an outline of public/private financing sources to support  plan objectives;
• submit the plan to the Office of Policy and Management (OPM) for review and comment; and submit the plan to the municipality for approval;
• hold a public hearing for input into and adoption of the plan; and
• submit any amendment to the plan to OPM for review and comment. (An amendment is a concept or proposal not included in the original plan adopted by ordinance).

OPM’s role in the NRZ process is to:

• review and provide comments on the plans submitted;
• coordinate state agencies activities to support the plans of the NRZs; and
• expedite the review of specific requests for modifications from codes and regulations that are identified in the plan as impediments to achieving NRZ plan objectives.