Proposed Housing Development In Tolland Designed To Serve Affordable, Special Needs Markets

TOLLAND, CT — A proposed development along state Route 195 is designed to not only take care of a declared affordable housing shortage in north central Connecticut generally and Tolland specifically, but assist those with intellectual disabilities living independently.

The local address of the parcel is 312 Merrow Road, an undeveloped tract measuring 30.9 acres that sits across from the Nerac campus.

A developer, Farmington-based Metro Realty Group, has submitted a site plan outlining a proposed a 71-unit complex, designated as affordable, consisting of six, two-floor buildings.

Tolland Town Manager Brian Foley said the parcel is not only wooded, but consists of some wetlands. Therefore, an Inland Wetlands Commission permit is required in addition to Plannning and Zoning Commission approval of the site plan.

According to the site plan, the complex would include 33, one-bedroom apartments of between about 800 to 930 square feet and 38, two-bedroom apartments of between about 1,070 to 1,280 square feet.

In the site plan narrative, Metro Realty said the project is planned as "assisted housing" and could be financed, in part, through a federal tax credit program for low-income housing. If approved, all but 20 percent of the apartments would be offered to households with income thresholds of 30 percent to 80 percent of the median, according to the plans.

The balance of the units would be rented at market rates, according to the plans.

"This is a good thing," Foley said. "Every town needs affordable housing because it is in short supply."

Another element to the project would be rentals for those living independently with intellectual disabilities. Foley said MARC of Manchester would have a presence at the complex for placement and services.

"And that makes the plans even better," Foley said. "It will serve people who work hard and want jobs in the community."

The PZC is to conduct a public hearing on the plans on July 27.

Here is a rendering of the proposed development: