SOUTH WINDSOR, CT — Construction is underway on a 55-unit housing development that drew strong support and organized opposition before receiving town approval in 2023.
The project is being built at 240 Deming St. and a portion of 440 Buckland Road, the former site of Calvary Church. Plans call for 55 one- and two-bedroom apartments spread across five two-story buildings.
According to a state Department of Housing announcement, 33 apartments will be reserved for households earning no more than 50 percent of the area median income. The development will also include community and outdoor spaces.
Another 13 apartments are intended for people with intellectual disabilities who will receive supportive services through MARC Inc. of Manchester.
"The most exciting part about 240 Deming Street is all the partners coming together to make sure that our individuals have opportunities," MARC President and CEO Kevin Zingler said in a video shared by the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority.
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The state Department of Housing committed $5.5 million to the project. CHFA is providing low-income housing tax credits expected to generate $11.8 million in private investment, $4.73 million in permanent financing and another $1 million through its Opportunity Fund.
Financing documents approved by CHFA include affordability restrictions lasting 50 years. Eleven apartments will be reserved for households earning no more than 30 percent of the area median income, 22 for households earning no more than 50 percent and 11 for households earning no more than 80 percent.
Patch previously reported that the former church property sold to 240 Deming Street LLC for $1.55 million in May 2025.
The project moving forward is smaller than the developer's original proposal for 72 apartments in seven buildings. Metro Realty reduced the plan to 55 units after residents raised concerns about traffic, school enrollment, the project's density and the removal of mature trees.
More than 100 people attended a July 2023 zoning hearing, where more than 30 spoke against the development and six supported it, according to CT Insider's reporting from the meeting.
Resident Margaret Tanner Glover, who opposed the project, warned commissioners about the trees and wildlife that would be affected.
"You guys need to look at what you're going to destroy," Glover said, according to CT Insider.
Supporters said the development would provide housing options that are difficult to find for adults with intellectual disabilities. Rebecca Shinkoff, whose daughter has an intellectual disability, said projects like this could help people live more independently.
"Inclusion is a universal human right," Shinkoff said, according to CT Insider. "The goal is to embrace all people."
The Planning and Zoning Commission approved the required zone change by a 4-3 vote in September 2023. The final site plan passed by the same margin that December.
A completion or move-in date has not been publicly announced.
For more Northern Connecticut news, follow Patch editor Jay Kenney.
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