Economic Growth Starts with Residents

With the current state of the housing market, Connecticut has become an increasingly expensive state for renters. The Town of West Hartford is taking action to ensure that their residents, especially seniors on fixed incomes, have affordable housing. They have just completed phase one of their affordable housing project which added 65 new apartments. Phases two and three will be carried out and completed by 2028, which will add even more affordable housing options. Once all the phases are complete, West Hartford is looking to have a variety of affordable housing options for individuals who are struggling in today’s tumultuous housing climate.

West Hartford currently has a housing inventory that is deemed 7.65% affordable, but would like to get that number beyond 10% to help address the needs of the people who cannot afford rising rents. Another affordable housing initiative that has been completed is the transformation of a former hotel, The Camelot, into an affordable housing complex for 44 families.

This specific unit is a short walk away from the downtown which provides residents with easy access to employment available in that area. This will then result in the local economy receiving a boost with the new residents being employed at local businesses and shopping from other establishments. This opportunity will allow for this community to grow and prosper while also creating stability in today’s uncertain market.

Not only do growing families benefit from having affordable housing as an option, but so do the elderly. Many elderly people find themselves needing a home that meets their needs as an aging individual on a fixed income, such as retirement savings or Social Security. That has become increasingly difficult because the rising prices of rents has led to fewer available apartments for the elderly to downsize into.

One program that helps the elderly and adults with disabilities with affordable housing in West Hartford is the West Hartford Fellowship Housing program. This program is located in the Bishops Corner area and provides a total of 169 housing options. Recently, the first phase of renovations was completed. This first phase saw the replacement of old buildings and the introduction of 65 brand new affordable apartments. The second phase will be starting this July and will see a new batch of 77 apartments added to the community. Phase three will begin shortly after phase two and will add an additional 77 apartments to the community.

The benefit of providing the elderly with a stable community that supports their needs medically and financially will potentially allow for younger generations to move into the family-sized homes that the elderly previously owned. This could ease the strain on the housing market in West Hartford, making it easier for younger generations to start families of their own.

The impact of the affordable housing processes in West Hartford won’t be felt until the multi-year phases are complete, but will allow for economic growth and the development of new communities.