155-Unit Housing Complex Again Proposed for Hiawatha Lane Extension in Westport

WESTPORT, CT - A proposed 155-unit, two-phase housing complex was again presented to the Planning and Zoning Commission Thursday, 15 months after the plan was stalled, in part over sewage pipe issues.

Summit Development is proposing to build 85 market-value units in phase one, and 70 affordable units in phase two, which would fall under the state's 8-30g affordable housing statutes, reports the Westport News. The 8-30g law allows developers to potentially circumvent local zoning laws if affordable units are included in the plan.

According to the commission, a fragile sewer pipe near the proposed complex, which runs under the Saugatuck River, has not yet been repaired, which could delay the planned early 2017 start of construction.

Additionally, some commissioners were concerned that the market-value units would have elevator access under the proposal, but the affordable units would not, which could prove difficult for some lower-income elderly tenants.

Click here to read the full story on the Westport News website.

Photo: Westport Town Hall