New Affordable Housing in New Britain

0:00It's April 24th. This is Hartford News today, AI-powered stories from your city. A major win for affordable housing just dropped in New Brind, Connecticut. The Chris List Center wrapped up a nearly two-year build, costing $11.3 million at the Birkowitz building spot. They more than doubled the complex with 28 fresh two-bedroom apartments right between Little Poland and downtown. And get this, before anyone even moves in, they've got a packed wait list of families ready to go. These units break down smart for different income levels. Eleven go to folks as 60% of the area median income, with rents hitting about $10. Another 11 target, the 50% crowd, at $1,425. Then six supporter spots for single moms from homeless shelters or domestic violence escapes, super low at $712. Crystalis. Even hooks them up with furniture and basics. New Britain feels this housing squeeze hard as one of the state's poorer cities where

1:00private builders chase upscale rents instead. Both former mayor Aaron Stewart and current mayor Bobby Sanchez toured the townhouse style Paz this month and pushed for this balance against. Market rate booms. Demand stays sky high for low-wage earners who can't touch downtown luxury. Crystalis finished the original 1915 brick building after pandemic delays, turning it into 24 units, and now Berkowitz 2 uses. The lot next door. Montanjo construction handled it with state flex grants, housing finance cash and federal aid. The nonprofit runs similar spots across Bristol, Hartford, and more towns. This small step tackles Connecticut's housing crunch, letting families cap rent at 30% of income instead of half or more. With a river cutting Friday at 11 a.m., alongside top state officials, expect momentum to build for even more units down the line.