The Hamden Planning and Zoning Commission approved The Regan Development Corporation’s project for a three-building housing complex at 2980 State St. at their Sept. 19 meeting.
The units in each of the buildings will be available to those who make below 60% of the area median income.
Eugene Livshits, the Hamden town planner, said that the town is looking to make some improvements to the area where the project will be built, such as building a sidewalk along State street.
“I think it’s an important project for the area as we are in need of housing,” Livshits said. “There is not enough housing inventory within the town and we are in need of additional affordability options.”
The development will have 64 units among the three buildings, according to the project narrative section of the application. In total, there will be 30 one-bedroom units, 32 two-bedroom units and two three-bedroom units. The one-bedroom units will be 745 square feet in area, the two-bedroom units will be 970 square feet and the three-bedroom units will be 1,238 square feet.
The buildings will also have 100 parking spaces, bike parking, outdoor recreation areas and a proposed playground, according to the application.
Livshits said 16 units will be set aside as supportive housing for individuals who have physical or cognitive disabilities, with additional supportive services provided to them.
The town also partnered with the developer for a community investment fund of between $20,000 and $30,000 that will help with financing and pedestrian improvements to make it a community-based project, Livshits said.
The town planner said they have the approval from the PZC, and the next step is for the developer to work out the financing and submit a zoning permit application that will allow them to start some of the side work. He said they are hoping (people will be able to move in) by 2025 but it will depend on when the developer will be able to break ground.
When asked about their thoughts for the project in the surrounding area, most people were pleased at the idea.
“It sounds awesome,” Trey Holley, a North Windham resident who was inside the Goodwill Outlet Store across the street said. “It’s affordable and it works for everyone, then I see no problem with it.”
Kevin Mark, the owner of No Worries Brewing Company down the road at 2520 State St. said he doesn’t really know how the building will affect the surrounding area.
“I mean if it’s bringing more people to the area, I don’t know how it could be bad for the neighborhood,” Mark said. “We have a good residential area behind us and around us so if we have more residents, especially from consumer bases, hopefully it will be good for us.”