Bill Summary: HB 5478 - West Haven Special Improvement District

• Creates the West Haven Special Improvement District, a body corporate and politic covering 26.233 acres in West Haven bounded by Elm Street, New Haven Harbor, Bayview Place, and First Avenue.

• District can be established by petition of 15+ eligible voters, with establishment requiring approval by two-thirds of property assessments at a voter meeting or referendum.

• District authorized to assess and levy taxes, fees, and benefit assessments on property to finance infrastructure improvements including roads, sidewalks, sewers, parking, recreational facilities, bulkhead repairs, and environmental remediation.

• District may issue up to $40 million in bonds with maturity not exceeding 20 years, secured by full faith and credit of the district or pledges of revenues and benefit assessments.

• District exempt from taxation on its receipts, revenues, and property; district clerk must submit quarterly project activity reports to the Office of Policy and Management and legislative committees; developers must disclose district financing information to prospective property buyers.