This is a printer-friendly version of an article from Zip06.com.
12/13/2016 03:12 PMAfter withdrawing an application to renovate and expand Parkside Village I where it stands, Branford Housing Authority (BHA) has put out the word that other sites in town will be considered in order to construct up to 120 affordable housing units that will immediately address the need at Parkside I and will also be able to accomodate the future relocation of Parkside Village II.
BHA Treasurer Joe Chadwick said the all-volunteer organization is considering options other than renovating at the current site of the properties, but is still also keeping the option of using the exisiting land.
"The first goal is to have the best possible site for the people that live there," said Chadwick.
BHA has explored the option of moving the development in the past, most recently with a feasibility study in 2013-14. At that time, "...the problem was all the best possible sites were taken up by viable commercial enterprises," said Chadwick.
In August of this year, working with developer Beacon Communities LLC (MA), BHA originally proposed re-developing Parkside I's three-building, 50-unit complex at 115 South Montowese St. into a single, 71-unit building topping three stories.
The Planned Development District (PDD) application submitted to Branford's Planning and Zoning Commission (PZC) also sought to change Parkside's low-income elderly and handicapped affordable resident mix to include some higher income families, within state standards. The change re-created Parkside as multifamily housing complex. Zoning approval needed to be in place in order for BHA to meet a Nov. 5, 2016 deadline to for financing from the Department of Housing with the state.
However, the project was met with opposition by some residents in the area and faced an uphill climb due to several issues raised by the Town Planner Harry Smith. On Oct. 6, citing light of the lack of support from the Town Planning staff and from the Fire Marshal's report, BHA withdrew the application (see the story here ).
"When we took the option of withdrawing our application and we missed the November 5 deadline, we decided to take a deep breath," Chadwick told Zip06.
Recognizing other site options may have opened up since the time of the feasbility study, BHA decided to, "... extend an opportunity, and investigate to the fullest extent possible, any site in Branford that might be suitable. If there is something out there that's more achievable, we don't want to give that opportunity up," said Chadwick.
Chadwick said residents at Parkside Village have been kept abreast of BHA's continuing efforts to address the urgent need to create more suitable housing. Currently, Parkside I, built in 1974, is a mix of efficiencies and one-bedroom units. Plans on the withdrawn application called for creating 35 one-bedroom units and 36 two-bedroom units with 89 parking spaces as well as introducing elevators and other upgrades for handicapped access. See more about BHA's efforts to address issues plaguing Parkside here
In a Request for Proposals (RFP) released by BHA Dec. 13, the housing authority noted it will seek a minimum three-acre buildable lot with a site capacity capable of incorporating up to 120 housing units, "...resulting in the full replacement of both Parkside Village I and Parkside Village II units in two or more phases of construction and a modest increase in the supply of affordable housing. A minimum capacity for 50 units should be demonstrated."
Parkside Village II has 40 units and is located on Block Island Road.
BHA will seek state financing based on the selected site meeting requirements as well as funding-preferable criteria such as public transporation availability and a high walkability score.
The description also stated, "The BHA is interested in land that can provide up to approximately 120 units and we will review and consider sites which have a capacity of more than 50 units. Redevelopment of Parkside Village I cannot result in fewer units than current baseline without a determination under CGS 8-64a that units are not needed by the locality. This is a standard highly unlikely to be met in Branford."
Connecticut General Statues (CGS) 8-64a sets standards by which a housing authority is allowed to dispose of a housing project.
Chadwick said, if another property is located, selling off the existing Parkside properties would be neccessary to make the move.
"If we found a much better site, we have no other assets," said Chadwick. "The only thing we have is the ground underneath us."
Whether it's a new site or revisiting plans to redevelop the existing land, once again, time is of the essence in order to meet funding deadlines.
"We really need to come to some sort of terms by January, perhaps February at the latest," of 2017, said Chadwick.
A copy of the RFP is posted with this story.