Clinton Housing Grant Approved

State legislators are applauding the State of Connecticut’s April 10 approval of a $20,000 grant for predevelopment costs associated with establishing an Incentive Housing Zone (IHZ) in Clinton.

An IHZ allows for residential or mixed-use developments that set aside a minimum of 20% of the units for households earning 80% or less of the area median income for minimum of 30 years. A unit is affordable if it costs no more than 30 % of a person’s annual income. The state funding will help to bring multiple targeted properties to the point of application readiness for multi-family housing development.

“I am very pleased to see this initial funding approved,” Rep. Tom Vicino said. “Housing is an ongoing concern and Clinton is taking the necessary steps to meet the needs of residents and plan for the future.”

“We are very appreciative that the state is focused Clinton’s housing needs,” Sen. Art Linares said. “This long-term planning will bring long-term benefits to Clinton. Our mutual focus is on improving the quality of life in Clinton and fostering walkable, safe and vibrant neighborhoods.”

“This funding from the state will enable us to investigate the possibility of affordable housing in an area that does not have a sewage system and the septic problem can be complicated,” said Alan Kravitz of the Clinton Planning and Zoning Commission. “This funding is key to getting the project off the ground and I would like to thank Rep. Vicino who actively supported this project.”

The grant will also be used to look into the cost of development and the investigation of two sites for affordable housing in Clinton.

“The developments would most likely be in the town center and possibly along Route 1,” said Kravitz.