KENT, Conn.—The Planning and Zoning Commission last week approved an additional two units for Kent Affordable Housing’s planned extension of its South Commons complex.
KAH President Justin Potter told the commission that the Department of Housing, primary funder for the project, requested the local group “to do everything we can to lower the cost per unit.” Adding two more units within the building’s existing proportions “would help meet that need.”
The project, which will be located on a small parcel of land the town transferred to the non-profit two years ago, was originally planned to offer about 10 units, a projection later increased to 13. Potter said the number can be boosted to 15 if an open staircase in the center of the building is removed from the design.
Small studio apartments of about 351 square feet could be squeezed into that space, he said. “They would be cozy,” he conceded, but added that with 47 families on a waiting list, the units would help alleviate “the critical need in Kent.”
Two fire access stairways will remain on either end of the building and there will be an interior elevator.
PZC member Chris Harrington asked whether providing two more kitchens and baths would actually help reduce costs. Potter said the overall unit price would be reduced because exterior work would not change. No additional parking spaces would be required.
The rent for the smaller apartments would be lower than the average to $1,300 a month for a single bed-room and $1,400 for two bedrooms and would include all utilities
The commission unanimously approved the modification of the plan.
