Essex Officials: State Funding to Go Toward Elderly and Affordable Housing

Local and state officials applauded the State Bond Commission’s June 21 approval of a $250,000 pre-development loan to create plans for 18-20 new elderly affordable rental units in Essex.

“With our development partner, the Women’s Institute for Housing & Economic Development, Inc., we were pleased to receive the pre-development loan,” said Janice Atkeson, Essex Elderly and Affordable Housing Chair. “Our next task is to prepare an application for building funds. There is a need for additional affordable housing for elderly and mobile disabled in our community, and we hope to fulfill that need.”

“It’s good news for our area seniors,” Sen. Art Linares said of the funding. “Demands for affordable senior housing in our region continue to rise. This investment will help meet that demand. It is very much appreciated.”

“I am grateful to the Essex Housing Authority for their management and advocacy, and we look forward to working with the Economic Development Agency again with another successful project,” Rep. Phillip Miller said. “The Town of Essex rightfully takes pride in the accomplishments at Essex Court. Many of the residents ask me when Lieutenant Governor Wyman will stop by again to say hello. ”

“I would also like to thank the state for helping us fund the planning of additional affordable housing units in Essex,” Essex First Selectman Norman Needleman said. “The town is always striving to find ways to meet the needs of its residents and work towards complying with the state’s suggested affordable housing guidelines.”