Stonington's community conversation on housing affordability
The Stonington Department of Planning and the Economic Development Commission hosted a virtual community conversation on Tuesday, January 26, 2021 to explore the subject of housing affordability and get input on a soon to be drafted Affordability Plan, which will guide actions to achieve affordable housing goals.
It is widely recognized that the United States is facing an affordable housing challenge that impacts many aspects of daily life. According to data available from SECCOG, in Stonington 41% of renters and 29% of homeowners are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of their income on housing. About 6% of housing is qualified as affordable in Stonington by State measures, short of the 10% State goal for each municipality. Stonington’s Affordability Plan will aim to take steps to close the gap.
Closing the gap will not only benefit individuals, but also our broader community. When people spend too much on their housing, they spend less supporting local businesses and organizations. This is a challenge that needs an array of creative tools to solve, which the new Affordability Plan will outline. In order to create the best possible Plan for Stonington, input is needed from a diverse range of perspectives from members of the community. Last week that process got a positive start.
About 40 community members joined the videoconference to understand the current state of housing affordability in Stonington, and to engage in a community conversation about the future of affordable housing in Stonington to inform the Plan. An initial presentation on the what, why and how of affordable housing was followed by probing and insightful questions and comments from engaged participants. You can find the recording of the presentation at the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tS_GUYhA-WQ&t=192s.
During the conversation it was noted that “Affordable housing” is often confused with federally subsidized public housing. Attendees learned the distinction: affordable housing represents quality living options for residents spanning the economic spectrum. Typically, a mixed income apartment development, for example, is comprised of market rate units and 30% or more of the units priced below market rate. It was noted that mixed income apartments, as well as neighborhoods, offer a range of benefits. By offering a diverse range of housing options, a community can help attract new, younger workers, provide an opportunity for retirees to remain in the community, and ensure those who work in our community also have the option to live there.
Participants generally supported these Principles:
· Stonington is not only a great place to live – with its villages, seacoast, and rural farmland – it is a diverse place to live;
· We are a welcoming community that cares for each other—creating a sense of belonging that is integral to Stonington’s character;
· We are neighbors that value social, economic, and environmental diversity;
· We strive to offer an opportunity to persons of all income levels to enjoy and benefit from what the community has to offer;
· Our actions promote and celebrate diversity, ensuring persons from all walks of life can afford to live in Stonington.
The next step is to develop a Draft Affordability Plan. Thanks to a State grant the Town was able to secure a housing expert, Don Poland of Gorman + York, to research and write the Plan. This Plan will be strengthened by questions, ideas and feedback from residents.
Once the Draft is completed within the next month, additional community input will be sought. The Town and the EDC look forward to partnering with all residents to develop the Stonington Housing Affordability Plan.
For additional information:
Susan C. Cullen, AICP
Director of Economic and Community Development
860.535.5095
scullen@stonington-ct.gov