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Council hears attainable and senior housing plans, Sam Green RFP and Orchard Hill concept
Summary
The Town's Attainable and Senior Housing committee presented a housing study update April 20, highlighting that about 22% of households are cost-burdened, citing a $31.81/hour wage needed for a two-bedroom rental, unveiling an Orchard Hill senior concept and plans to issue an RFP for the town-owned Sam Green parcel.
At a 7:30 PM presentation on April 20, Director of Planning and Development Jana Roberson and committee Chair Robin Newton updated the Council on the Attainable and Senior Housing Committee's work and next steps.
The presenters said about 22% of Coventry households are cost-burdened (spending 30% or more of income on housing). The committee cited a required hourly wage of $31.81 to afford a two-bedroom rental in Coventry. Newton said the committee has reviewed the 2022 Housing Affordability Plan and has focused on zoning changes, planning for housing development, and options for town-owned parcels.
The committee discussed an Orchard Hill Estates concept plan tailored to seniors and people with disabilities and said mixed-age attainable housing is being explored for the town-owned Sam Green property. Newton said Orchard Hill would remain focused on seniors and disabled individuals, while the Sam Green site is being considered for mixed-age attainable housing. She noted limitations: the committee can only issue RFPs for town-owned property and that development feasibility depends on zoning and sewer capacity.
On funding, Newton said construction financing options could include Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) and Connecticut Housing Finance Authority (CHFA) programs and suggested pursuing a mix of state and federal sources, including congressional-directed spending when available.
Next steps: the committee will review a drafted RFP for Sam Green (on the committee agenda the following Wednesday) and, if approved, release the RFP within about two weeks with proposals expected back by mid-May and review over the summer.
