Guilford Takes Step To Add More Affordable Housing

GUILFORD, CT — The Board of Selectmen approved this week authorizing the first selectman to negotiate a developer agreement with NeighborWorks New Horizons for an Affordable Housing Development known as the Woodruff Property.

Sandra Ruoff (Co-Chair of the Housing for Economic Development Committee) said what the committee needs is for the board to authorize the first selectman to negotiate a developer agreement.

She added that this is going to be a long process, but this is the first significant moment in that process. The company they are recommending has successfully operated the Apple Tree Lane
Affordable Housing Development in town for over 20 years and has other single affordable housing projects throughout the town.

Town Planner George Kral explained that the town retained an attorney to help them sort through the proposals. They had narrowed it down to two firms and the other firm was impressive as well, but the committee has brought forward its recommendation of NeighborWorks New Horizons.

Earlier this year, Guilford officials said that 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.

Officials have said the homes would be for people earning in the income range of between $20,000-$50,000 annually.