Guilford Selectmen Vote To Study Affordable Housing Project

GUILFORD, CT - The Board of Selectmen, at its most recent meeting, voted to accept a $50,000 state grant to study whether to put an affordable housing project of a maximum of 20 units on Woodruff/Driveway property.

Before taking the vote, the selectmen heard from members of the public, urging the selectmen to accept the grant. They stated that the town is badly in need of such a project due to the expense of owning a home in Guilford.

One resident spoke about the need for more affordable housing in Guilford, particularly for family housing; another resident, who said he was a real estate agent, said he grew up in an affordable housing project and he knows as someone who sells homes for a living that "families cannot afford to stay in town."

Town Planner said the project is envisioned as 20 units maximum, depending on how many bedrooms per unit. The units most likely, he said be 2-3 bedrooms as opposed to elderly housing which are mainly one bedroom.

First Selectman said he would describe the project as "moderate income" housing, not "affordable housing." Kral said the homes would be for people earning in the income range of between $20,000-$50,000 annually.

After hearing the presentation, the selectmen voted unanimously to accept the grant and authorized Hoey to issue a request for proposal bids for the feasibility study.