Rep. O’Neill and Sen. Kane’s Heritage Village Condo Legislation Heading to Governor

Sen. Rob Kane (left) and Rep. Arthur O’Neill (right) address Heritage Village residents during a question and answer forum. The legislators’ bill to protect and enhance the democratic process at Southbury’s Heritage Village is heading to the governor’s desk for his signature.

Representative Arthur J. O’Neill (R-69) and Senator Rob Kane (R-32) hailed the passage late yesterday of common interest community legislation through both the State Senate and House of Representatives. The bill, which passed the House unanimously back on May 15th , requires that in order for a condominium community budget to be rejected, a majority of unit owners voting must vote to reject it, instead of a majority of total unit owners. It also requires that the number voting to reject it must exceed 1/3 of the total unit owners. This qualification would prevent small and unrepresentative populations from blocking what would otherwise be a satisfactory budget.

The bill was modified in the Senate so that the large size of the population required for the provisions to be applicable makes the bill only apply to Heritage Village in Southbury. In vetoing a similar provision last year, Governor Malloy cited the fact that it applied solely to Heritage Village as a reason for his veto, however the legislators noted that in negotiations with both members of the State Senate and the Governor’s office, the change is now preferred by the Governor.

“This bill is meant to protect and enhance the democratic process at Southbury’s Heritage Village and as the largest and oldest retirement community in the state its unique features are enhanced by this legislation,” said Rep. O’Neill. “I am grateful for the support I have received from my colleagues on both sides of the aisle as well as the early support expressed by the governor’s office for this measure.”

“We applaud the many condominium owners from Heritage Village for speaking out in favor of this legislation,” Sen. Kane said. “Your voices were heard and you made a difference. This issue boils down to fairness. Those who vote should have their votes counted. This legislation enables condominium owners to regain control over their management.”

The bill requires that in order for a condominium community budget to be rejected, a majority of unit owners voting must vote to reject it, instead of a majority of total unit owners. It also requires that the number voting to reject it must exceed 1/3 of the total unit owners. This qualification would prevent small and unrepresentative populations from blocking what would otherwise be a satisfactory budget.

“I am pleased with the result following the bill’s second successful trip through the House, and I thank Governor Malloy for his input in this process and look forward to his signature of the bill,” said O’Neill.