'Inclusionary Zoning Proposal' Submitted To Alders: Mayor

NEW HAVEN, CT — Mayor Justin Elicker’s administration submitted to the Board of Alders a proposal to significantly change to the city’s zoning ordinance that will lead in the long-term to a dramatic increase in the affordable housing units in New Haven.

The proposed “Inclusionary Zoning Ordinance” would increase the affordable housing stock in the city by requiring new or substantially rehabbed apartment buildings around downtown with at least 10 residential units to set aside between 5 and 15 percent of their units at rents affordable to tenants earning no more than 50 percent of the area median income. Projects with at least 75 units located outside of downtown or downtown adjacent neighborhoods would be required to set aside at least 5 percent of units subject to the same affordability standard.

“This proposal has the potential to make our community more affordable and more equitable,” Elicker said. “It’s one of the most progressive Inclusionary Zoning policies in the region and focuses most on income levels of highest need. This policy will help the city provide high quality housing choices for all residents in all neighborhoods.”

Elicker said his "vision for New Haven is a city where everyone can thrive no matter which neighborhood they’re from – and this proposal will help us make significant progress toward that vision."

Elicker praised City Plan Director Aicha Woods and staffers for working in a "collaborative and inclusive way to get to what we believe is the best proposal to balance the needs for the creation of additional affordable units in our city and our ability to attract investment.”