Avon task force hears updates on Avon Place inspections, Beacon and Vessel projects, and zoning changes

Hiram Peck, Avon’s director of Planning and Community Development, told the Affordable Housing Task Force that Town staff recently inspected 25 units at Avon Place after two fires in the past year and that some residents were relocated. "A report will be prepared and shared with the new owner as well as the tenants and their union," Peck said, and he added the new owner is working to address identified problems and a reinspection will be scheduled.

Peck reported that the Beacon project at 20 Security Drive is moving forward, with planned renovation of 76 existing units and construction of 100 new units expected to begin late 2025 or in early 2026. He also said the foundation is in for a 64‑unit project at 25 Avonwood Road (referred to as Vessel apartments) and that 30% of those units will be designated as affordable.

Peck said a minor change in the new Zoning Regulations will allow duplex (two‑family) buildings by right in R30 and R40 residential zones, subject to compliance with building and fire codes. The group discussed public outreach: Chair Christine Graesser said a State schedule change may force postponement of a Nov. 13 public forum at the Senior Center tied to state legislation, and she and Peck supported hosting a forum on how to do accessory dwelling units (ADUs) with architects and permitting guidance.

Graesser noted a proposed change to the State Building Code being discussed elsewhere to allow a single staircase in smaller multifamily buildings; Chelsea Ross cited a Pew Research figure estimating that removing a second staircase could reduce construction costs for small multifamily buildings by about 6%–13%. The Task Force is commissioned through the end of 2025 and will submit a report to the Town Council; members said the Task Force could play a role in the upcoming update to the 2016 Plan of Conservation and Development.