This is a printer-friendly version of an article from Zip06.com.

HOPE Partnership Seeks to Add Workforce Housing to Centerbrook

HOPE Partnership, the Old Saybrook-based non-profit organization dedicated to developing affordable workforce housing, has presented two plans to develop 54 new apartments in the region, including 17 units in Centerbrook.

The non-profit launched the proposals last week at meetings in Old Lyme, where the partnership is proposing 37 new apartments on two lots, and in Essex for the Essex Rotary Club.

Essex First Selectman Norman Needleman was excited to see HOPE’s presentation of The Lofts at Spencer’s Corner, which if approved will be located in Centerbrook Village.

“Affordable workforce housing designed to fit the community, designed with the community, is a boon to the social and economic fabrics of all our neighborhoods,” Needleman said.

The Essex Zoning Commission opened HOPE’s application for the multi-family dwelling development at 90 Main Street, Centerbrook, at its meeting on April 16 (after press time). A public hearing date has yet to be set for Essex, and may not be required.

HOPE is proposing to renovate 12 existing condominium units at Spencer’s Corner into 17 units of housing at the three-story, commercial complex, according to the HOPE website www.hope-ct.org. The development proposes one-, two-, and three-bedroom units both on the second and third floors; the majority of those units will be set as affordable on the sliding scale as set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) with the others set at fair market rate. According to HUD, the fair market rent in Essex is $1,042 for one-bedroom units, $1,386 for two-bedroom units, and $2,016 for three-bedroom units.

HOPE noted that septic, environmental, and marketing studies have been completed at the site in Centerbrook and all have shown favorable results.

HOPE is seeking input from the community to address concerns or questions. Contact the organization at Lauren@HOPE-ct.org.