Affordable Housing

Introduction

The Town of Essex has developed an Affordable Housing Plan, which identifies strategies to grow the number of affordable housing units over the next five years in a manner that aligns with community values. This plan is intended to satisfy the statutory requirements under CGS Section 8-30j. Affordable Housing Plans must be updated every five years per state statute.

Community Values Statement

The issue of housing is a critical component of the continued growth and success of the Town of Essex. While most residents of Essex enjoy a very high quality of life and the unique character of our community, for many others, living in Essex has become further and further out of reach. As property values rise (and property taxes along with them), many older residents are finding it harder to remain in their Essex residences. In addition, entering the housing market is prohibitive for many key groups in Town – teachers, municipal employees, fire-fighters, service-sector workers, etc. Many of our children would find Essex virtually impossible to afford. Essex’s longterm success depends on a vibrant mix of residents. In recognition of this issue, the Essex Planning Commission expressed the intention to “Expand the variety of housing options available throughout Essex, including more affordable housing opportunities in both mixed-use developments and within traditional subdivision development” as a key goal statement in its 2015 Plan, and this goal continues to be a priority.

 

News: https://www.middletownpress.com/news/article/Essex-apartment-complex-redeveloped-as-affordable-16012948.php

Additional Information: 

What is Affordable Housing?

Other Helpful Links:

CtHousingSearch.orgCTHousingSearch.org

Partnership For Strong Communities: Partnership For Strong Communities

USDAUSDA: Single Family Housing Programs

2022 Plan Development Process

Regional Housing Plan

This Affordable Housing Plan for Essex was developed in conjunction with the Lower Connecticut River Valley Council of Government’s Regional Housing Plan. The Regional Housing Plan was created as a high-level view and analysis of the housing landscape for the communities that make up the Lower Connecticut River Valley Region to capture common regional themes, housing data, objectives, and strategies. The Regional Housing Plan was developed in collaboration from Lower Connecticut River Valley Council of Government (RiverCOG) staff and consultants over a 12-month period and provided opportunities for community participation.  

 

Objectives, Strategies and Action Steps

In order to increase the availability of affordable housing and broader housing opportunities in Essex, the Town will undertake the following:

    1) Undertake Administrative Actions 

  • Create “Affordable Housing” Page on Town Website with information and resources for property owners and developers (Lead entity: Town Staff).
    • COMPLETED
  • Promote USDA and CHFA homebuyer assistance programs to real estate and home buyer communities (Lead entity: Town Staff).
  • Promote relaxed Accessory Apartment regulations to encourage expansion of housing opportunities in Essex (Lead Entity: Planning & Zoning Commission)
  • Establish, in conjunction with or independent of, Inclusionary Zoning provisions, a Housing Trust Fund (Lead Entity: Planning & Zoning Commission / Board of Selectmen).

     2) Make Regulatory Adjustments

  • Continue modifications of Zoning Regulations to facilitate broader housing opportunities, including:

                  i. Consideration of Inclusionary Zoning requirements.

                  ii. Adoption of Special Development Districts in “Development Node” areas as identified in the Plan of Conservation & Development.

                  iii. Allowance of middle-density multifamily in core village areas and along key transportation corridors (Lead entity: Planning & Zoning Commission).

      3) Pursuing New Development Projects 

  • Update list of suitable development sites, prioritizing properties with access to transit, major transportation corridors, and local amenities and within “Development Nodes” as identified within                       the Plan of Conservation & Development (Lead Entity: Planning & Zoning Commission).
  • Prioritize the creation of first floor units and units with accessibility to accommodate elderly residents (Lead entity: Planning and Zoning Commission).

      4) Working With Partners

  • Create and participate in a regional Housing Committee with RiverCOG towns, specifically the towns of Deep River and Chester, to pursue housing plan implementation (Lead entity:                               Planning & Zoning Commission / Board of Selectmen)
  • Conduct, with regional municipal partners, a series of public information and outreach sessions to broaden the public understanding of housing needs and potential opportunities                                       (Lead entity: Board of Selectmen / Town Staff).
  • Continue to work with HOPE Partnership, Essex Housing Authority, and other mission-driven developers to seek opportunities and funding for housing projects (Lead Entity: Board of                                            Selectmen / Town Staff).