Stamford's Charter Oak Communities Completes New Apartments, Breaks Ground On Townhomes

STAMFORD, CT — Charter Oak Communities marked the completion of the first phase of redevelopment at its Oak Park residences and broke ground on the second phase during an Oct. 21 ceremony.

Mayor Caroline Simmons, city and state legislators and state housing officials joined representatives from Charter Oak Communities for the ribbon-cutting and groundbreaking.

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Oak Park was built in 1947 for returning World War II veterans under a state affordable housing program, with 166 townhouse-style apartments in 27 buildings. The three-phase redevelopment includes replacing all existing units with a combination of townhouses and a multifamily building.

The new residences are larger, with multiple bathrooms in units with two or more bedrooms, central air conditioning and heating, modern appliances, updated electrical systems, larger windows and an open layout with a central living space.

"Oak Park is the last major public housing community in COC's portfolio to be redeveloped, so this is truly a major milestone for the organization," said Rippowam Corporation President Vin Tufo, according to a news release.

"Our teams at Charter Oak Communities and Rippowam Corporation are dedicated to providing affordability for the community we serve, truly sustainable design, as well as the highest standards of safety and quality for our residents. We are committed to doing things right so that our residents are well-served and our properties are part of the greater community, not separate from it. Oak Park is a prime example of this as well."

The completed first phase includes 61 units in the multifamily building and several townhouse buildings. According to Charter Oak Communities, the buildings were constructed with high-quality materials selected for long-term value.

The multifamily building, adjacent to Cove Road and facing the center of the community on Ursula Place, includes fully accessible units, management and resident services offices, and community space for meetings, programs and other resident services. The first phase also includes measures to address long-standing neighborhood flooding issues.

The second phase will add 43 townhomes and a playground. The second and third phases will also include new driveways, parking lots, walkways and park areas.

"The work on Oak Park is, in part, serving to recognize the vision of our former COC Board Chair Courtney Nelthropp, and it is deeply gratifying to be here today and fulfill that promise," added Tufo.

"This project has been a real team effort, so there are many people to thank," said COC Chief Executive Officer Ben Barnes. "We are deeply grateful to our entire delegation under the leadership of Sen. Pat Billie Miller, Mayor Simmons who has been so supportive in making affordable housing a priority in Stamford, and at the state level with support and funding through the Department of Housing and CHFA. Additionally, of course, are the COC staff who work so closely with our residents, our property managers and Family Centers who work hard to make our residents feel seen and heard."

Kenneth Boroson Architects of New Haven heads the architectural and design team. Viking Construction is the general contractor.