New Haven Register (New Haven, CT)
Affordable housing project praised by Orange officials
ORANGE — The Town Plan and Zoning Commission has unanimously approved an small affordable housing project of 46 units on Smith Farm Road.
While the TPZC historically has not favored larger affordable housing projects in residential neighborhoods, this one was embraced with compliments by commissioners and comments about how it fits perfectly with the town’s plan of conservation and development.
First Selectman Jim Zeoli also lauded the project, saying the developer has “an extremely solid background in this type of project with an outstanding track record.”
“One of the principles is also a resident of Orange and lives very close to the site of this project. There have been several others that have considered this parcel, but either didn’t have the knowledge to do this project or the horsepower to back it up; this developer does,” Zeoli said. “This parcel being so close to Route 1, transit and sewers is a much better fit for a higherdensity project than areas in town that offer none of these extras.”
The project by Gyroscope Development Group LLC, filed under the state’s 8-30g affordable housing statute, also was lauded as one that would put Orange closer to having 10 percent of its housing stock as “affordable” — a state requirement before the town can more easily reject similar requests.
Under 8-30g, a project can be denied only due to health or safety concerns. Commissions that have denied projects filed under the statute have faced costly appeals and usually don’t win in court.
The project, Lascana Homes of Orange, will consist of six buildings of apartments, with a seventh community building, the attorney for the developer, Andrea Gomes, told the commission.
Gomes said there will be 21 onebedroom units, 21 two-bedroom and 4 three-bedroom units, with a minimum of 75 percent for low- or moderateincome households. There will be no shared hallways, Gomes said. The market rate for the apartments will be $1,500 monthly or between $330 to $1,060 for those receiving rental assistance.
The project was opposed by one neighbor, but the issue appeared by the end to have been worked out, which the commission also commended.
Town Zoning Administrator & Enforcement Officer Jack Demirjian told the commission the development is in keeping with the town’s plan to address the housing needs of an aging population of existing residents and more housing for young, single and moderate-income people who live in Orange.
The commission heaped praise on the project.
“Overall, I think it’s a great project. … I think it’s a great opportunity for the town,” said commission Chairman Oscar Parente.
He noted the town is “committed” to reaching the goal of having 10 percent of the town’s housing stock as affordable.
Vice-chairwoman Judy Smith said the project gets the town close to the 10 percent mark, and she is familiar with the developer and there is no better property manager or developer.
Commissioner Paul Kaplan said the project is “well thought out,” addressed a neighbor’s concerns well and he liked that there are no common hallways.
“It’s harmonious with what we need,” Kaplan said.
The commission approved the site plan for 329 Smith Farm Road, as well as unanimously amending the Orange zoning regulations to create a new Lascana Assisted Housing District and rezone parcels included in the plan.