Affordable housing is one of the most important topics in America today.
It’s been on Westport’s agenda for a long time too.
Yet searching for information about affordable housing in Westport has seemed as difficult as actually finding that housing itself.
This week, Westport launched an Affordable Housing Committee Information Hub. Available though the town website, it includes:
Information on the Affordable Housing Trust Fund — including every deposit made into it. The fund — built from Planning & Zoning Department, Building Department and inclusionary zoning fees (0.5% of construction costs of all projects for which zoning permit applications are filed), along with gifts and grants — stands at $1,663,440.
Funds are to be used for the purchase of land, and construction of affordable housing.
This is not affordable housing. But new construction — like this 8-bedroom, 8 1/2-bathroom, 12,946-square foot home on Beachside Common, listed for $22.825 million — generates hundreds, even thousands, of dollars for the Affordable Housing Trust Fund.
Links to Westport’s Affordable Housing Plan, with a list of possible sites on town-owned property like Baron’s South, fire houses and Adams Academy.
A list of the town’s current 424 units of affordable housing, with administrators’ names and contact info.
Frequently Asked Questions, including those concerning the state’s 8-30g regulations.
Among Westport’s affordable housing options: Sasco Creek Village. Other large properties include Hidden Brook, Hales Court and 1177 Post Road East.
There is also information on the Affordable Housing Committee.
Established as part of the Affordable Housing Trust Fund ordinance by the Representative Town Meeting in 2023, it is charged with studying the need for affordable housing; inventorying suitable sites; tracking their availability, and examining funding sources.
Committee members include Planning & Zoning Commission director Michelle Perillie, former assistant town attorney Gail Kelly, investment banker Kate Weber, and retired finance executive Ralph Yearwood.
The Affordable Housing Committee Information Hub provides meeting dates, agendas and minutes.
1st Selectman Kevin Christie says, “Affordability is a challenge across Connecticut. It is one we are seeing more clearly here in Westport for our workforce, seniors, and young families.
“Housing is at the center of that challenge. If we want to shape our future, we need to engage early, work from shared facts, and plan thoughtfully. This is a step in that direction, giving residents a clear place to understand the issue and how we can approach it in a way that reflects Westport’s values.”
Click here for the Affordable Housing Committee Information Hub.
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