Norwalk committee outlines scoring, eligibility for $2M+ affordable housing fund; seeks review panel

The Norwalk Common Council ad hoc Affordable Housing Committee on Tuesday discussed a draft ordinance and application process that would govern how the city distributes roughly $2 million–$2.5 million in funds collected under its workforce housing regulations.

The committee reviewed proposed eligibility and scoring criteria for applications to the affordable housing account and discussed next steps including appointing a three-person citizen review panel and asking staff to return with additional materials in November.

Why it matters: The fund, generated by developers’ choices under Norwalk’s workforce housing rules (deed-restricted units at set percentages of state median income or a construction fee), is intended to support development or rehabilitation of housing deed-restricted to low-income households. Committee members said the existing balance—driven in part by a pending permit at 24 Belden Avenue that is expected to generate about $130,000—will not by itself finance large projects but could seed multiple smaller efforts or help close funding gaps.

Staff overview and draft framework

Michelle (staff) summarized zoning amendments and other work since May, including a density bonus for projects over 10 units, adjustments to income recertification rules and a three-bedroom counting rule designed to capture family-sized units. Steve (staff) presented a proposed spending framework and an…