The 2013 IForum series, organized by the Partnership for Strong Communities, starts off spring with its second event. 

Mixing Uses, Income, Vitality:
Case Studies From Neighboring States

Organized by the Partnership for Strong Communities, in conjunction with the CT Chapter of the American Planning Association and the CT Committee, Boston Urban Land Institute

Mixed-use, mixed-income development is an essential way to bring more vibrancy and economic and fiscal strength to Connecticut’s towns – but it remains challenging to implement. A myriad of obstacles can stand in the way: unfriendly zoning, uncertain financing, cumbersome permitting processes, fear of multifamily housing, lack of developer interest and land assembly issues, just to name a few.

How have mixed-use, mixed-income projects been developed in other places? This IForum will present two very different examples of mixed-use, mixed-income projects from New England:

The Brooks House in Brattleboro, VT
A historic property in downtown Brattleboro suffers damage in a fire and the property owner chooses not to redevelop. Enter a local group of investors willing to take on the property, using New Market Tax Credits, Historic Tax Credits and private financing to make the mixed-use, mixed-income deal work.

30 Haven in Reading, MA
A suburban town on the outskirts of Boston with a commuter rail station uses zoning as a tool to enhance its downtown while also working to meet its state’s affordable housing requirements. A developer, attracted by the town’s actions, purchases the TOD-friendly site, creating a green building with retail space and mixed-income housing without state or federal subsidy.

Friday, March 22, 2013
The Lyceum. 227 Lawrence Street, Hartford, CT (Click here for directions)
8:30-9:00 a.m.  Conversation, coffee
9:00-11:00 a.m.  Program

CM credit approval for Certified Planners is pending.

The event will feature:

• Moderator: Dara Kovel - Vice President - Multifamily Housing, CT Housing Finance Authority
• Bob Stevens - Principal, Stevens & Associates, Member of The Brooks House Development Team
• Peter Hechenbleikner - Town Manager, Town of Reading
• Chryse Gibson - CAO, Oaktree Development LLC

Event is free. We expect strong attendance. Register now: laura@pschousing.org.  (If you do not receive an email confirmation within 2 business days, please contact Laura Bachman at 860-244-0066.)

Click here for a flyer for this March 22 IForum

Click here to read more about the 2013 IForum series.