Survey Results Discussion

Based on the SCRCOG Housing Survey (Appendix 1), the majority of Meriden respondents live and work in Meriden or commute to elsewhere in CT. Another significant proportion of residents do not commute to work which suggests that they are retired residents. There was a fairly representative proportion of survey respondents from all ages (except under 25), income brackets and household size although across tenure the majority of respondents were homeowners. The majority of respondents indicated that there is not enough supply of rental housing particularly senior/age restricted, and affordable/workforce types as well as 1 and 2 bedrooms. Similarly, respondents indicated that there was a strong demand for those same types as well as for 2 – 4-bedroom rental unit types. In terms of public sentiment of rental impacts in Meriden, the majority of residents indicated that rental housing would have a positive impact on local businesses and on the community as a whole, and a negative impact on public services, public finances and traffic volumes.

On the ownership side, residents responded that there was ample supply for all housing types except senior/age restricted, affordable/workforce and 4-bedroom homes. On the demand side, respondents indicated that there is a strong demand for the aforementioned types as well as a moderate-strong demand for condos, townhouses, and 1–3-bedroom homes. Similar to public opinion on rental options, survey respondents indicated that an increase in ownership option would have a positive impact on local businesses, public services, finances and prices but were concerned that it would have negative impacts on traffic.

Over 60% of Meriden survey respondents feel that having new workers, families and children would have a positive impact on the community and feel that new housing construction should be built near transit stops, or other residential areas. Surprisingly, the majority of residents also feel that the primary barriers to creating new price appropriate housing would most likely be challenged by community opposition. In total, 44% of Meriden survey respondents believe that the city has a responsibility to crease housing options for individuals and families that would like to live in your community but cannot afford the current cost of housing.