Section 8-381-2 - Program description(a) The Commissioner is authorized to designate a maximum of three areas within distressed municipalities in the State as housing development zones, provided that no more than one zone shall be in any one such municipality.(b) The purpose of this program is to encourage the development, preservation and revitalization of housing for low and moderate income families in distressed municipalities.(c) A housing development zone program shall include the following:(1) A high priority to receive State financial assistance shall be accorded to proposals from eligible developers for financial assistance for programs or projects authorized by Chapters 128, 130, 133 or 138 of the Connecticut General Statutes;(2) For community development activities undertaken in the zone, the Commissioner may waive the limitations on the amount of State financial assistance to be provided pursuant to Section 8-169k of the General Statutes, as amended; and(3) The municipality which includes the zone shall provide, by ordinance, for fixing assessments on commercial and residential property within the zone which is improved, and for deferring any increase in assessments attributable to such property improvement, as provided for in Public Act 87-378.(d) Municipalities shall be required to comply with all rules and orders promulgated from time to time by the Commissioner and consistent with the Connecticut General Statutes and these regulations.Conn. Agencies Regs. § 8-381-2