Simsbury Committee reviews affordable housing framework from Aspen Green project

The Simsbury Zoning Commission meeting on March 3, 2025, focused primarily on the ongoing discussions surrounding affordable housing solutions in the town. The committee's charge is to address the pressing need for affordable housing, with a particular emphasis on inclusionary housing strategies.

During the meeting, members revisited the framework established during the approval of the Aspen Green project, which has been in place for eight years. This framework includes specific requirements for affordable housing units, such as the number of units to be included and the income limits for potential renters. The discussion highlighted the importance of adopting a similar approach to enhance affordable housing options in Simsbury.

The commission considered amending the draft proposal to require 10% of units in new developments to be designated as affordable, down from an initial suggestion of 15%. This adjustment was made in response to feedback from the development community, which indicated that a higher percentage would be challenging to achieve. The revised proposal also stipulates that these affordable units should be available to individuals earning up to 80% of the area median income, rather than the previously considered 60%.

Another significant change discussed was the reduction of the affordability period from 40 years to 20 years, which aligns with the Aspen Green agreement. This shorter duration is seen as more manageable for developers while still contributing to the town's affordable housing goals.

The commission also clarified that single-family home projects would be exempt from the affordable housing requirement, focusing instead on rental developments. This decision aims to simplify tracking and compliance for developers, as monitoring the affordability of single-family homes can be complex.

As the meeting concluded, members acknowledged the need for further creativity and collaboration to meet the state's affordable housing mandates. While the proposed inclusionary zoning amendment is a step forward, it is recognized that additional strategies may be necessary to fully address the housing needs of the community.

Overall, the discussions at the meeting reflect a commitment to finding practical solutions for affordable housing in Simsbury, with the potential for future adjustments to the zoning regulations as needed.