Developers have revamped plans for a mixed-use project along Broad Street in Windsor, acquiring more land, adding another residential building and eliminating all two-bedroom units in favor of smaller apartments.
Plans for the Windsor Center Plaza redevelopment project at 144-152 Broad St. were originally submitted in early 2022, but redesigned conceptual plans were brought to the Planning and Zoning Commission in February 2023 by Gregory Vaca and Windsor-based Alford Associates.
Plans were redrafted after developers purchased more land to allow for additional parking and another building.
The project originally called for a mix of one-bedroom, two-bedroom and studio apartments, but all two-bedroom units were eliminated in favor of more one-bedroom and studio apartments.
The parcel, which was originally 2.65 acres, is now 3.2 acres at the junction of routes 75, 159 and 305, “a highly visible and central location within the Center Design Development District adjacent to major mass transit nodes,” the application reads.
The project will have a total of 106 apartments and 147 parking spaces, compared to 96 units in the initial plan.
Phase one, which is expected to start this year, consists of 40 apartments in the three-story South building, including 12 studios and 28 one-bedrooms; and 5,800 square feet of new retail space divided into four or five storefronts, forming a new street wall on Poquonock Avenue.
Phase one also includes the renovation of the existing North building into a three-story apartment complex with 30 units and community space. The existing 5,700 square feet of retail space in that existing building will remain.
Phase two includes the demolition of an existing one-story building along Prospect Street and the development of a new three-story apartment complex known as the West building, with 36 apartments, all a mix of studios and one-bedrooms.
The new conceptual plans were approved earlier in March, and Vaca will present more detailed plans in April, when the project could be approved.
The project is in line with the town’s vision outlined in the 2012 Plan of Conservation and Development and 2014 Transit Oriented Development Master Plan and Redevelopment Strategy by enhancing walkability; providing housing near mass transit; creating a mix of uses like retail, offices and wellness amenities to promote; and supporting climate goals through electric and solar energy options, according to the application.
Town officials have said that projects such as this aim to revitalize the town center and support the state’s investments in transit-oriented improvements.
The project will get a $3.2 million state grant from the Connecticut Communities Challenge program and enter into a credit enhancement agreement with the town, both of which require a 20% affordable component, called workforce housing, at 80% of the area median income.
The Town Council earlier this week approved the agreement, allowing for tax increment financing that rebates taxes paid back to the developer to help fund some cost of the project, town officials said.
The 10-year agreement calls for a 100% tax rebate the first four years, decreasing incrementally each year.
If the project plans are approved next month, the developers and town will finalize paperwork for the grant and the construction process can begin.
