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Council designates West Haven revitalization area and reaffirms $15 million support for phase one
Summary
Council designated West Haven as a revitalization area to strengthen a low-income housing tax credit application and affirmed a prior $15 million CIP commitment (FY26–FY28) intended to support phase one of the West Haven redevelopment; council voted 5–0 to adopt the resolutions.
Council voted unanimously on March 2 to designate the West Haven public-housing site as a city revitalization area to support the developer's low-income housing tax credit (LIHTC) application.
Staff noted the LIHTC application is due in March with awards expected by June or July; if successful, construction could begin in roughly 18 months. Design and application work will lock many design decisions (unit mix, porches and building details) into the LIHTC submission, staff said. Project planning envisions multiple phases: phase one includes two multifamily buildings and is expected to take about 24 months for construction.
Financial support: Council also reaffirmed earlier CIP allocations totaling $15 million spread over FY26'FY28 that staff indicated will be prioritized for West Haven's first phase. The manager and project staff clarified the $15 million is an expected commitment included in the budgeted capital plan, not a formal financing agreement; final funding agreements will follow LIHTC awards and final financings.
Why it matters: Staff said the designation and funding affirmation strengthen the project's LIHTC application and reflect a multi-year city commitment to preserve and expand deeply affordable housing. Staff briefed council that West Haven currently has 126 (transcript noted 126) units and the redevelopment would increase units to roughly 274 across phases.
Votes and next steps: The council adopted the revitalization-area resolution and a supporting financial resolution by voice vote (5'0to'zero). Staff said if LIHTC awards are received this summer, the city and project partners will pursue final HUD and local approvals and then finalize financing agreements and relocation plans for current residents.
Sources: City staff presentation and Q&A with John Sales and others at the March 2 council meeting.
