A proposal for affordable senior housing in Westport is one step closer to a reality, recently getting the green light from the Board of Selectman.
“I know there’s an image that Westport residents can afford to live any place they want. The reality is many are challenged by the cost as well as the physical nature of keeping up a house,” said Selectman Jim Marpe.
Currently there’s an overall shortage of affordable housing rentals in this area, and there is no facility that allows elders to "age-in-place". That's causing many elders to leave a town they’ve helped to grow and support.
This proposal, located on a section of the Baron South property, could help alleviate that stress. It plans for 135 rental units: with 20 percent of those units set aside as "affordable", another 20 percent for "moderate incomes", and 40 percent below market price. For example, an elder earning an income up to $43,000 would qualify for one of the affordable units.
And, you might see the complex in the near future on this open land, bought by the town more than 14 years ago.It will be situated between Post Road East, Compo Road South and Imperial avenue. Not far from the Senior Center.
Selectman Marpe saying it might even address expansion needs of the Senior Center by offering amenities like a café, pool and a gym.
"The thing that is most exciting is that elders can stay, age-in-place, and take advantage of all the amenities Westport has," said Selectman Marpe.
The proposal now remains in the hands of the Planning and Zoning Commission, who will take up the amendment on Thursday at Town Hall.
