Fairfield Housing Corp secures $4.5M for 980 High Street affordable housing project

The Affordable Housing Committee of the Town Council of Fairfield, CT, convened on May 16, 2025, to discuss significant developments in local housing initiatives. The meeting focused on updates regarding the Housing Trust Fund, ongoing projects, and funding opportunities for affordable housing.

The session began with an update on the Housing Trust Fund, revealing an uncommitted balance of approximately $1.19 million as of April. This figure reflects an increase of about $120,000 from the previous month, attributed to contributions from various projects, including those at the university.

A key topic of discussion was the Parkview Commons redevelopment project, which involves collaboration with Habitat for Humanity. The committee is working on two units located at 385 and 409 Quincy Street, both of which are currently vacant and situated in a flood zone. The challenge lies in balancing the need for affordable housing with regulations that discourage increased density in flood-prone areas. The goal is to replace a single-family home with a duplex, maintaining affordability with projected sales prices in the low to mid $200,000 range. The meeting with representatives from the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and the Department of Housing was described as productive, with positive feedback on the project's sustainability and compliance with flood regulations.

The committee also discussed the Greenfield Street project, where two duplexes are nearing completion at 244 Greenfield Street. Plans are in place to build two additional duplexes on an adjoining property at 254 Greenfield Street, although zoning challenges may arise due to the property's shape. The committee is exploring options to navigate these challenges while adhering to local regulations.

A significant highlight of the meeting was the announcement regarding the 980 High Street project. Carol, an expert on low-income housing tax credits, reported that the project was the last to receive funding in a highly competitive round. The Connecticut Housing Finance Authority's board committed an additional $4.5 million for 2026, which was crucial for the project's advancement. Carol expressed gratitude for the town's support, emphasizing that the commitment letter from the town played a vital role in securing the necessary tax credits.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the ongoing efforts of the Affordable Housing Committee to address housing needs in Fairfield. The discussions highlighted the importance of collaboration with state agencies and the community in navigating the complexities of affordable housing development. The committee plans to continue its work on these projects, with the aim of enhancing housing availability and affordability in the town.