West Hartford Apartment Project Included in Gov. Malloy's 'CHAMP' Initiative

Construction of an Elmwood apartment complex that received Town Council approval in Dec. 2012 after hours of public hearings will receive substantial funding through the Competitive Housing Assistance for Multifamily Properties (CHAMP) initiative at the state's Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD).

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy announced in a release Monday that a $29 million overall investment will be distributed among nine different housing projects statewide, as "part of the Governor’s commitment to strengthening Connecticut’s economy by expanding housing opportunities that will attract and retain a talented workforce."

“To be competitive, Connecticut must attract and retain talented workers,” said Gov. Malloy in the release. “Affordable housing for the state’s young professionals and working families, and congregate housing for the elderly and those who need support is critical to creating livable communities and a thriving economy. Over 10 years we will make a $500 million investment in neighborhoods across Connecticut – investments that will rehabilitate long-neglected state units and provide new options for young families.”

The announcement specified that up to $3.2 million in funding will be available for The Goodwin, a project of the West Hartford Housing Authority which will be constructed on at 189 and 203 Newington Rd. in Elmwood.

The application for the 47-unit apartment project stipulated that it will include 15 "work-force units" to be available at a below-market rate of $1,000 per month. The other 32 unites will be available at market rate, estimated at $1,400 per month.

The project, which required a zoning change and establishment of a Special Development District, was the subject of lengthy public hearings on both Nov. 13 and Nov. 27, where capacity crowds packed council chambers to express opinions about the proposed apartment building.

It was approved by the West Hartford Town Council on Dec. 20, 2012, by a roll call vote of 5-3.

The announcement of the grant for The Goodwin stated: "The development, which meets transit oriented development guidelines, is located on Newington Road with a bus stop across the street providing access to Hartford, West Hartford, and New Britain. It is also within walking distance of the CTfastrak bus service and is centrally located."

Other affordable housing initiatives to receive funding are in Bridgeport, Brookfield, Canaan, Hartford, New Haven, Torrington, and Vernon. According to the release, the funding will be used for the renovation or construction of approximately 476 residential units, 319 of which will be affordable housing.

According to the release, Gov. Malloy's "housing plan, announced last February, calls for a $500 million investment over 10 years. The program will create and preserve a wide range of affordable housing – including $300 million to revitalize the state’s housing portfolio."