Developers propose 63 affordable houses in Waterbury

An affordable housing development of 63 single-family houses is being proposed for a roughly 30-acre property near Waterbury’s border with Prospect.

Waterbury-based affordable housing nonprofit NEST has partnered with Meriden-based Carabetta Development to advance a “workforce housing” proposal to be located on a former horse farm off the northern side of Route 69 – opposite the Aria Wedding and Banquet Facility – in Waterbury near the Prospect town line.

“We are trying to provide affordable homeownership opportunities,” said Kevin Taylor, executive director of NEST. “Waterbury used to be the state’s most affordable market. That is not the case anymore.”

The “Forest Hills” development will help address a lack of modern, energy-efficient starter homes in Waterbury, Taylor said. Homes will be priced to be affordable to buyers earning between 80% and 120% of area median income. He did not yet have a cost estimate for the houses.

Most houses would be designed as a “contemporary interpretation of a modern farmhouse,” with up to seven ranch-style homes as well to provide handicapped accessible options, he said.  The buildings would range between two and three bedrooms, and from about 1,000 up to 1,600 square feet, Taylor said. 

The development would also include a clubhouse with a fitness center and gathering space. Future buyers will own the land on which their home sits. A homeowner’s association would be formed to maintain common areas, including the clubhouse and access roads.

Taylor said a purchase-and-sales agreement is in place with the owner of the property, Sunrise Farm LLC.

The current owner’s principals include Samuel Cusano, of Rocky Hill, and Joseph Sullo.

Sullo is founder of Hartford-based real estate development and investment company Staypoint Properties.

The proposal is going before the city’s Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission Wednesday night.

Taylor said he hopes to secure city approvals and financing in time to launch construction this coming fall or next winter. The project is designed to have about 20 homes in three neighborhoods, which can be developed in phases. The homes would access city sewer and water utilities.