The State Bond Commission met Tuesday morning, and approved a $2 million grant for affordable housing in West Hartford’s Transit-Oriented Development Zone.

Rendering of The Jayden. Courtesy of The Hexagon Group (we-ha.com file photo)

By Ronni Newton

Two West Hartford developments that have been approved in the town’s Transit-Oriented Development Zone are eligible for a boost in funding thanks to the town’s legislative delegation securing a $2 million grant through the state.

Included in items approved by the State Bond Commission during its meeting Tuesday morning was a $2 million grant to support affordable housing development in the Transit-Oriented Development Zone, which is located along the CTfastrak busway, state Sen. Derek Slap and state Reps. Tammy Exum, Kate Farrar, Bobby Gibson, Jillian Gilchrest and James Sánchez announced in a joint press release Tuesday following the meeting.

The West Hartford Town Council voted unanimously to establish the Transit-Oriented Development District Zone in 2022, a move tabbed “transformational” in achieving the town’s goal of promoting the creation of mixed-use, higher-density, pedestrian-friendly development that activates the streetscape and is accessible to mass transit. The TOD zone is located in the areas directly surrounding the Flatbush Avenue and Elmwood CTfastrak stations, where there is easy access to Hartford as well as Newington and New Britain.

Rendering of Elmwood Lofts. Courtesy of Town of West Hartford (we-ha.com file photo)

Two mixed-use developments have been approved by the town since the implementation of the TOD zone, and both will offer affordable as well as market-rate units.

They include the Elmwood Lofts development at 1051-1061 New Britain Avenue – in the now-vacant former Ashley Home Furniture Outlet which many still refer to as the Puritan property since that was the business in the space for many years. Approved plans call for 117 residential units – 18 of which will be affordable – with a total mix of 94 one-bedroom and 23 two-bedroom units, along with two restaurants and three retail spaces. Eighteen of the residential units are planned as affordable housing.

The Jayden, at 579 New Park Avenue, will include 70 residential units, 14 of which will be guaranteed affordable for 30 years. It includes 41 two-bedroom units averaging 1,000 square feet and 29 one-bedroom units averaging 800 square feet, and two retail spaces.

579 New Park Avenue, which will be redeveloped as The Jayden, looking north, May 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton (we-ha.com file photo)

“We know that affordable housing is so important for our economy and our town so that’s why I’m so excited about these projects,” said Slap in a statement. Slap, along with the rest of the town’s legislative delegation worked with the Lamont administration and advocated for this grant. “High-end housing is fine, but we also need options for middle class families, retired folks, and younger professionals. Thanks to the Lamont administration for supporting these projects and placing them on the bond agenda.”

Farrar, who represents the 20th District, which is where the TOD zone is located, said, “This $2 million allocation will support the important efforts to create more affordable housing options in West Hartford’s transit-oriented development zone. I appreciate Gov. Lamont and the State Bond Commission’s approval of this funding that recognizes the importance of creating a vibrant and inclusive community by better connecting housing, transit and economic development.”

West Hartford’s other state legislators also weighed in with thanks for the $2 million grant.

“I am incredibly grateful to Gov. Lamont and the State Bond Commission for their continued and crucial support in expanding housing options and enhancing West Hartford’s affordability, connectivity and walkability,” said Exum.

“Developing affordable housing near transit hubs is an excellent step towards building equity in our community,” said Gibson. Everyone deserves a form of reliable transportation, and this funding will provide several residents with easy access to our area’s robust public transportation system. Thank you to Gov. Lamont and the State Bond Commission for their investment in West Hartford.”

“Transit-oriented development can create more housing options in areas that are accessible to pedestrian and public transportation,” Gilchrest said. “And, functional, thriving neighborhoods bring individual and community benefits. I thank Gov. Lamont and the State Bond Commission for prioritizing these important initiatives.”

“Providing affordable housing with easy access to the greater Hartford area on public transportation, such as CTfastrak, is vital for creating inclusive communities where everyone can thrive,” said Sánchez. “It enables families to benefit from job opportunities, quality education, and essential services while having an affordable place to live. By investing in accessible housing, we build a stronger, more equitable future for everyone.”

West Hartford Mayor Shari Cantor was a strong advocate for establishing the TOD zone, noting on the night the Town Council approved it that the ordinance would set the stage for development incorporating affordability incentives, a commitment to sustainability, and encouraging rehabilitation, redevelopment, and adaptive reuse that will make the town better.

“I want to express my sincere thanks to Gov. Lamont and our delegation for their continued support and commitment to our community,” Cantor told We-Ha.com on Tuesday. “The approval of $2 million in state funds for affordable housing, combined with our existing Affordable Housing Development Program, will allow us to further expand these critical projects, especially within our recently adopted Transit-Oriented Development District. By focusing on this area, we are ensuring that more residents will not only have access to quality, affordable homes, but also to convenient public transportation, which is vital for connecting our community and supporting sustainable growth. We are grateful for this partnership and look forward to the positive impact it will have on our town,” Cantor said.

West Hartford adopted its Affordable Housing Plan earlier this month, and plans to continue to look for ways to diversify its housing stock and crate affordable housing. While state statute identifies a minimum threshold of 10% affordable housing as a goal, Town Manager Rick Ledwith said during the discussion of the Affordable Housing Plan that “our plan is not only to get to that 10% over time, but to get over that number.”

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