Everything you always wanted to know about affordable homes (AH) is yours for the asking by registering for a free Q&A public event to be held at the Southbury Public Library, in the Kingsley Room, on Sunday, April 26, from 2 to 4 p.m. A selection of fine pastries will be served.
The program, titled “Facts, Just the FAQs,” is hosted by the Southbury Affordable Housing Alliance (SAHA), a nonprofit organization. It will feature a panel of seven Connecticut-based housing professionals with experience in planning, developing and coordinating affordable housing projects, as well as working with municipalities. It will be available in person and on Zoom.
The forum comes as Southbury officials work to meet state requirements tied to the potential transfer of 45 acres at the Southbury Training School property to the town for affordable housing development. Under state legislation, the town would select the developer when the transfer is completed.
SAHA says residents have raised questions about affordable housing in recent months, including eligibility requirements and how projects affect municipalities.
One example of a topic expected to be discussed is income eligibility, including how assets or proceeds from the sale of a home may factor into qualification for affordable housing programs.
For instance: Is an individual with a gross income of less than 80% of an area’s median income (80% being the cap for AH eligibility) but who, in selling their unaffordable home, realizes a profit of, say, $250,000 still eligible for an AH rental apartment or AH homeownership?
Panelists will address audience questions during the event, which SAHA expects will draw a large turnout of those who need affordable housing or are concerned about — or simply curious about — its impact on the town.
Registration is required. To register, contact Rebecca Randall at the Southbury Public Library at rrandall@biblio.org or by phone at (203) 262-0626, ext. 2.
The Southbury Record 