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Committee backs transfer of two city lots to SINA for two-family homeownership
Summary
Hartford’s Planning, Economic Development & Housing Committee voted to send a resolution to full council recommending transfer of two city-owned parcels to the South Side Institution Neighborhood Alliance (SINA) for development of two-family homeownership units targeted at households up to 120% of area median income.
The Planning, Economic Development & Housing Committee voted Oct. 1 to send a resolution to the full City Council recommending transfer of two city-owned parcels to South Side Institution Neighborhood Alliance (SINA) for construction of two-family houses aimed at homeownership.
The transfer authorizes SINA to develop the sites into two-family homes of about 2,600 square feet with three bedrooms and two baths. Amy Chambers, identified in the meeting as SINA’s new chief real estate officer, told the committee the parcels would be added to a small portfolio SINA already owns and would support homeownership for buyers earning up to 120% of the area median income (AMI). “I am the new chief real estate officer for SINA. I started in this role in July,” Chambers said. She added SINA aims to begin another round of development late next spring and bring units online in 2027.
The resolution follows a Sept. 15 public hearing at which no members of the public appeared either for or against the transfer. Assistant Director William Diaz confirmed the consideration for the transfers is effectively the developer building the homes rather than a cash purchase by SINA.
Committee members asked about pricing, affordability supports and marketing. Chambers said completed two-family homes recently developed by SINA have sold at price points consistent with appraisals and that potential buyers are being connected to homebuyer assistance programs administered by the city and state, including Connecticut Housing Finance Authority (CHFA) products and local down-payment assistance.
Chambers said SINA expects to develop roughly 10 parcels in its next round (approximately 20 housing units), though the committee heard the two parcels under consideration are among the nearer-term sites.
After discussion, the committee voted to send the resolution to the full council with a favorable recommendation. Committee members reported no public comment at the September hearing and recorded no opposition at the committee vote.
If the council approves the disposition and SINA secures the necessary financing and permits, construction is expected to be phased rather than simultaneous across all parcels; Chambers said SINA is working to tighten construction timelines and move projects more quickly.
Community and planning staff said any required review by the Planning & Zoning Commission (a 24‑hour review mentioned in the meeting) will proceed as required before final closing and building permits.
