Candidate Submitted Bio
Kami Evans, a Connecticut native and Republican State Senate candidate for the 26th District, is a dedicated community leader and small business owner. Raising her two school-aged daughters in Westport, Kami has a strong record of engaging the community by linking local businesses with nonprofits and organizing impactful events. Her platform focuses on fiscal responsibility, public safety, and educational excellence, strongly emphasizing safeguarding property rights, promoting sustainable living, and supporting families. Living in an 850-sq. ft. tiny home, Kami embodies efficiency and innovation. Committed to transparency and integrity, she says, “There’s room at the table for everyone, but don’t take my seat.” Kami is determined to bring meaningful change to the community she proudly serves.
Video Interview
Candidate Submitted Op-Ed — “HUE Points for Affordable Housing: Wilton Apartments in Westport CT as a Positive Opportunity for Change”
Affordable housing is a vital part of Connecticut’s future, and while the intentions behind developments like Wilton Apartments in Westport are good, the execution leaves much to be desired. The development was pushed through under Connecticut’s 8-30g law, overriding local zoning rules and community concerns. The result? A high-density complex that has put strain on local infrastructure, schools, and services, with the community feeling sidelined in the process. But instead of dwelling on the negatives, let’s look at how Wilton Apartments could have been a success story — and how it still can be, with more innovative planning and a system like HUE points in place.
What Went Wrong?
Wilton Apartments exemplifies what happens when developments are fast-tracked under 8-30g without proper consideration for local context. The dense construction has added pressure to nearby schools, caused congestion on local roads, and generally strained Westport’s infrastructure, which wasn’t designed to handle such an influx of residents. More importantly, the local community felt unheard. Concerns about overcrowding, parking, and the impact on public resources were brushed aside in the race to meet affordable housing quotas. This disconnect between developer goals and community needs has left a lasting impression on many.
What Could Have Been Done Better?
Had HUE points been in place, Wilton Apartments could have been a shining example of affordable housing done right. HUE points would have prioritized family-friendly design and ensured the development aligned with Westport’s existing character and resources. Instead of simply packing as many units into the space as possible, the focus could have been on quality housing that meets both affordability and community needs. For example, a family-oriented design could have been implemented, with access to playgrounds, open green spaces for children, and easy proximity to schools without overwhelming the district. For our seniors, the design could have included more accessible units with features to promote aging in place, such as elevators and close access to healthcare services. Moreover, HUE points would have required that developers engage with the local government and community early in the planning process, fostering collaboration rather than conflict. This approach would have ensured that infrastructure improvements — such as road expansions and school capacity adjustments — were planned before construction began, avoiding many of the current issues.
A Positive Path Forward
Wilton Apartments isn’t a lost cause. It allows us to learn from these mistakes and create a better development roadmap. By implementing HUE points, future projects can focus on building housing that fits within our communities — housing that provides for the unique needs of families, seniors, and local services while maintaining the charm and identity of the towns we love. As your State Senator, I will work to introduce HUE points to empower our local governments to direct affordable housing in a way that works for them. The goal is not to stop affordable housing but to make it work for everyone — ensuring that our families, seniors, and neighborhoods benefit from intelligent, inclusive development. The situation with Wilton Apartments could have been handled better, and with HUE points in place, future developments can be. Together, we can build a future that’s fair, sustainable, and community-focused — ensuring that affordable housing doesn’t come at the cost of our local way of life.