Urgent Proposal for 54 Affordable Condos in West Hartford

BREAKING NEWS: Honeycomb Real Estate has just announced a bold plan to develop over 54 condominiums in the southern end of West Hartford, just blocks from the Newington line. This unprecedented proposal, which aims to tackle the affordable housing crisis, comes under Connecticut’s 8-30g affordable housing law, a statute primarily utilized for apartment projects.

The Avon-based developer is in the initial stages of securing municipal approval and has submitted formal documents for wetlands permits, focusing on essential environmental reviews. Honeycomb is targeting a site covering nearly 14 acres at 60 Brook St., where it plans to build six two-story buildings. The company acquired this property for approximately $2.4 million earlier in May, following the demolition of a former industrial facility.

The project will feature one- and two-bedroom units, specifically priced to be affordable for individuals earning 60% to 80% of the area’s median income. This initiative is particularly significant because it marks a rare departure from the typical focus on apartment developments under the 8-30g statute.

“These units will be for sale, and this application is being submitted under Connecticut 8-30g statute for affordable housing,” stated Lauren Mello, project manager for the consulting firm Fuss & O’Neill. The site will be equipped with modern public utilities, including water, sewer, and electric services.

Residents eagerly await the town’s wetlands commission meeting scheduled for January 5, where further details on environmental remediation will be discussed. This proposal could significantly impact housing availability in West Hartford, especially as the area continues to see a surge in demand for affordable living options.

Honeycomb Real Estate is concurrently working on another project in Enfield, aiming to construct a 156-unit apartment complex along the Connecticut River. Earlier this year, the company successfully completed The Camelot, a development of 44 affordable apartments in West Hartford, which replaced a problematic hotel and restaurant that had plagued the neighborhood for years.

The urgency of this proposal highlights the pressing need for affordable housing solutions in Connecticut, as the state grapples with rising living costs and limited availability of homes for low- to moderate-income families.

As Honeycomb moves forward with its plans, community leaders and residents are encouraged to participate in discussions regarding this development. The outcome could pave the way for similar projects across the state and provide a much-needed boost to affordable housing initiatives.

Stay tuned for updates as this story develops. The West Hartford community is poised to witness a significant change in its housing landscape, and the implications of this project will resonate across the region.