Stratford's Housing Clash: Middle-Density Townhouses

0:00It's May 1st. From your city to your ears, this is Hartford News Today, powered by AI. I'm Cory with the story. A developer in Stratford is pushing for 18 townhouses on Broadbridge Avenue, but locals are pushing back hard. Steven Shapiro wants to build 6-3 store units on 1.6 acres in a single family zone, so he's asking for a zoning tweak to make it. Happen. The whole project lines up with the state's new HB80002 bill, aimed at housing near bus lines. This state law gives towns credit toward affordable housing goals, one quarter-point per unit and extra cash for schools and roads. Shapiro stresses they're not upping density or heights, just using the transit park to fit the rules. The sites got water, sewer, and plans were trees to screen it from the street, though one old house comes down. Residents at the April 22nd hearing were imbuying it, citing traffic jams, noise, overcrowding, sewer strains, and a past rejection for the spot. Stony Brook Gardens co-op next door, with 400 units, says doubling buildings there is too much for the area.

1:04Shapiro warns that fighting this middle density plan could force denser, taller, affordable projects later. Details include 3 bedroom homes around 1800 square feet each, with 2 car garages and basements. The zoning commission bumped the vote to May 27th, so eyes stay on Stratford as this housing clash heats up.