Avon Voters Approve Downtown Development Authority Formation

The formation of the Avon Downtown Development Authority (Avon DDA) in the Town of Avon was approved by voters in Tuesday’s special election.  Pursuant to state statute, eligible voters were limited to residents, landowners and business lessees in the proposed Avon DDA area. The formation was approved 51 yes votes to 13 no votes.

Mayor Amy Phillips thanked the eligible voters for their participation in the election.  The Avon Town Council studied the formation of a downtown development authority over the last year as a potential funding mechanism for development of community housing.  Downtown Development Authorities capture the increased increment of property tax on new development for thirty years without increasing the property tax mill levy.  The Avon Town Council adopted a draft Avon DDA Plan last June which directs at least 50% of the tax increment funding to community housing projects.

“The formation of the Avon Downtown Development Authority is a critical and visionary step to fund more community housing in Avon,” said Mayor Amy Phillips. “The businesses that serve the Avon community desperately need more workforce housing and the Town of Avon needs more housing for the members of our community that are struggling.” 

The Avon Town Council will consider appointments to a Board of Directors of the Avon Downtown Development Authority at its September 26, 2023 regular Council meeting.   A description of the eligibility requirements and process to submit a letter of interest can be found on the Town’s website.

The boundary area of the Avon Downtown Development Authority approved by voters Tuesday encompasses the West Town Center, East Town Center and valley floor area of the Village (at Avon):