Affordable Housing in Essex In Time For 2021

ESSEX, CT — Breathing life back into the centrally positioned commercial property at 90 Main St. in Centerbrook, the Lofts at Spencer’s Corner affordable-housing project is now accepting applications for units.

According to Loretta McClusky, the operations manager for the HOPE Partnership nonprofit organization that is driving this project, explained that one of the 17 units will be ready for occupation by January 2021. The rest are on target to be completed sometime in February.

“The reality is that there is not a lot of affordable housing in Essex, and there are not enough rentals,” said McClusky. “It’s important for the people who work in the community to be able to live in the community. That is why we are so excited about this project. It brings in more diverse and affordable options for everyone.”

HOPE Partnership is a nonprofit organization dedicated to developing affordable workforce housing opportunities in southern Middlesex County. It was established in 2003 with the support of the United Way. HOPE is focused on finding housing solutions for low-income people who suffer disproportionately from the housing crisis. According to its website, HOPE’s focus is to collaborate with town government, builders and other private partners to build housing that is attractive, sustainable and appropriately fits into the surrounding neighborhoods.

Keeping a timeline that paralleled the COVID-19 pandemic, work on the 17 housing units began back in April. Moving forward through unprecedented times, the construction of the energy-efficient, one-, two- and three-bedroom units has had its ups and downs, some of which have included septic issues, which called for upgrades, as well as bringing the building — which was constructed in the late 1980s — up to current code standards. However, McClusky is extremely excited and proud of how the project is turning out.

“We are very fortunate. Everyone has been working very hard, through some very trying times, and they have done an amazing job,” said McClusky, who praised Enterprise Builders of Newington for its work, as well as Point One Architects of Old Lyme.

Development for this project was financed in part through the Department of Housing and Essex Savings Bank. It was approved by the Town of Essex Zoning Commission in 2018, when it was granted a special exception for mixed-use. All units will be rent only, with no purchases, and they will occupy almost the entire second floor of the building. They are appointed with energy-efficient appliances, designed in a “loft” style, flooded with natural light and ideally located within walking distance to schools, restaurants, convenient stores, ice cream shops and bakeries.

“These units are beautiful,” said McClusky. “They make great use of every available space. They have lots of closet space and storage, and the carpentry work is amazing. This whole project really is a win-win for everyone. It helps Spencer’s Corner, which had a problem with empty units and now it is giving people affordable options to live in town.”

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development defines an “affordable dwelling” as one that a household can obtain for 30 percent or less of its income, which varies depending on where one lives. Income restrictions do apply for applicants who are interested in the Lofts at Spencer’s Corner. Applications for the units are available at DeMarco Management Corp., which can be reached at 860-951-9411, or by emailing compliance@demarcomc.com.