Group is now eyeing existing properties for affordable housing

By Lindsey Pizzica Rotolo

The Foundation for Norfolk Living’s mission “to create opportunities for housing in Norfolk that are affordable to a diverse community including people and families of modest means” may be realized sooner than expected.

The Foundation’s Old Colony Road project,  a low-maintenance, environmentally friendly housing project consisting of six houses, has yet to break ground due to the ongoing poor market for new homes and  higher than expected construction expenses. 

As a result, the Foundation decided at their annual meeting last month to shift its near-term focus to the rehabilitation of existing homes in Norfolk. Realizing that there is a pressing need for affordable housing, the group did not want to wait out the recession before providing other viable options.

They recently looked at four single family homes that are currently for sale on Maple Avenue, Grant Street, Aetna Lane and Hillside Road, and will look at two other homes before their next meeting. “Old Colony Road continues to be our primary goal,” says Foundation for Norfolk Living President Lou Barbagallo, “but we all, including the developer, feel it’s best to wait for the market to improve.”

Aside from shortening the timeline for bringing affordable housing to Norfolk, the Foundation’s new focus has the extra boon of providing work for local contractors and potentially reducing the inventory of existing homes that are currently on the market. The group hopes to make a decision on which properties to buy at their March meeting. The condition of the homes and the cost of renovations are the two major factors the group will consider before making their final decision. 

The Foundation for Norfolk Living anticipates that this initiative will be funded by a combination of existing funds, home improvement loans and grants. To date, the Foundation has raised approximately $70,000 from a combination of donations and small private grants.

The group will keep the same purchasing model in place for the rehabbed homes that they established for the Old Colony Road project. In this model, there are deed restrictions and the Foundation owns the land and leases it to the homeowner in order to keep the purchase price as low as possible. This model exists so the buyer can afford the property in perpetuity, and ensures that any improvements or changes to the structure go through the Foundation.

To date, the Foundation has received three “Statements of Interest,” and is renewing its efforts to increase the pool of applicants. Forms for interested parties are available at the Town Clerk’s office, Church of Christ Congregational and Immaculate Conception Church. Anyone may apply whose income is 80 percent or less of the area’s median income of $88,700, so a family income of $70,960 or less would qualify. At least one house is expected to be available by year’s end.

(Kevin to float in copy:) The Foundation welcomes offers of money, labor and materials. Donations can be sent directly to The Foundation for Norfolk Living, P.O. Box 2, Norfolk, CT 06058. For more information, go to  www.foundationfornorfolkliving.com.