$30M New Haven affordable housing development opens on land once taken for a highway

A new $30 million affordable housing development has opened in New Haven’s West River neighborhood.

The Curtis Cofield II Estates is the result of a partnership between West River Self-Help Investment Plan and New York-based NHP Foundation. 

The development was constructed on vacant, city-owned land that was taken by eminent domain decades ago for a highway extension that was never built.

Named in honor of a local housing advocate and religious leader, the 56 units include 44 that are affordable to households earning up to 60% of the area median income.

That includes 12 supportive housing units. There are also 12 that are affordable to middle-income residents at 100% of the area median income. 

The property also features 11 townhouse-style buildings, 62 parking spaces, a 2,700 square-foot community center, a playground and a future retail space that’s earmarked for a minority- or woman-owned café or bakery.

Financing came from a variety of sources, including the state Department of Housing, City of New Haven, federal grants and a Citizens Bank construction bridge loan.

“This development reflects what’s possible when public and private partners unite around a shared vision for housing equity,” said Eric Price, president and CEO of NHPF. “Curtis Cofield II Estates represents a new model for affordability, sustainability, and community investment and we look forward to doing more work in New Haven.”

NHP, which operates in 15 states, has also completed developments in Stamford and Waterbury.