Stonington -- Following a virtual community conversation last month to discuss housing affordability, the town is moving forward with drafting an Affordability Plan, which officials say will guide the actions needed to achieve affordable housing goals.

The town has used a state grant to hire housing expert Don Poland of Gorman + York, to research and write the plan. Once he completes a draft of the plan within the next month, the town will seek additional input from residents. 

According to data from the Southeastern Connecticut Council of Governments, 41% of renters in Stonington and 29% of homeowners spend more than 30% of their income on housing. About 6% of housing here is dedicated as affordable, short of the 10% goal set by the state. When communities have less than 10 percent affordable housing, developers do not have to conform to zoning regulations when they submit projects that have an affordable component. The town said the affordability plan will aim to to close the 4% gap. 

"Closing the gap will not only benefit individuals, but also our broader community. When people spend too much on their housing, they spend less supporting local businesses and organizations. This is a challenge that needs an array of creative tools to solve, which the new Affordability Plan will outline," stated town officials in announcing their next steps.

The community conversation can be viewed at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tS_GUYhA-WQ&t=192s.

During the forum the town explained that affordable housing is often incorrectly confused with federally subsidized public housing.

Instead, "affordable housing represents quality living options for residents spanning the economic spectrum." Typically, a mixed income apartment development, for example, is comprised of market rate units and 30% or more of the units priced below market rate.

"By offering a diverse range of housing options, a community can help attract new, younger workers, provide an opportunity for retirees to remain in the community, and ensure those who work in our community also have the option to live there," it stated.