Once Controversial Housing Project Breaks Ground In West Hartford

WEST HARTFORD, CT — A once-controversial plan to transform a West Hartford synagogue into affordable housing is now underway, with state and local leaders last week attending a ground-breaking for the project.

Gov. Ned Lamont and Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz joined West Hartford Mayor Shari Cantor, along with several other community leaders, Jan. 16 at the former Agudas Achim Synagogue at 1244 N. Main St., West Hartford, at an official groundbreaking ceremony for the project.

The site will soon become known as "The Elle," a new mixed-income/affordable housing redevelopment.

It is expected to bring 49 new housing units into the community.

Back in 2023, however, such a proposal caused significant angst among many residents, who flooded a West Hartford Town Council meeting regarding a necessary rezone application for the project.

In November 2023, Trout Brook Realty Advisors Inc. went before the council and, in a lengthy public hearing, listened as many residents denounced the project.

According to public testimony at the time, folks were fearful of traffic and social impacts of a new apartment complex and lower-income folks living there.

But council members along bipartisan lines emotionally supported additional affordable housing in town, something seen as critical if West Hartford aims to be a community for all.

Meanwhile, the Connecticut Department of Housing (DOH) and the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority (CHFA) said last week they have signed financing agreements for nine developments, including "The Elle" in West Hartford.

It's part of a statewide funding package that financially backs the creation of 658 housing units, including 381 affordable units for low- and moderate-income renters.

According to the CHFA, The Elle will be a mixed-income rental community consisting of 49 units in West Hartford.

State officials said 39 units will be affordable to renters earning at or below 60% AMI, and the remaining 10 units will be unrestricted.

From Nov. 5, 2023: 'Controversial WeHa Apartment Plan OK'd By Council'

From Sept. 22, 2023: 'Old West Hartford Synagogue Site May Become Apartment Complex'