Builder Pitches Apt. Plan On Parking Lot

A New York City developer working to bring ​“aspirational” affordable apartments to New Haven, Stratford and New London has its sights set on a town-owned parking lot in Hamden — and is promising that the company will build on the town’s sense of community.

Josh Levy, executive director of Vessel Technologies, Inc., gave that pitch to the Legislative Council — in hopes that members will ultimately vote to to establish a ground lease with the company for the lot. 

The site in question is 2972 Dixwell Ave., a ​“severely underutilized,” to use Levy’s words, parking lot next to the Brown Stone House Restaurant.

Once and if the council establishes an agreement to give the company site control, Vessel will need to submit an official site plan and receive the go-ahead from the Planning and Zoning Department and Commission to build a 31-unit complex in an area zoned for a maximum of 24 units.

Vessel’s application will ultimately go back to council for final approvals.

In exchange for a 40-year lease at 2972 Dixwell, Levy pledged to build ​“healthy, energy efficient, sustainable homes for people in the community that need it.”

Vessel’s current proposal includes constructing an apartment building with 31 one-bedrooms, including five apartments restricted to 60 percent area median income, or around $975 per month; four apartments restricted to 80 percent AMI, or roughly $1,275; and at least 20 remaining apartments starting at $1,450. Levy said that apartments as high quality as Vessel’s typically rent out at around $1,800 a month. The building will feature LED lighting and solar panel technology.

“The non-affordable units will be marked at lower rates than market, because we’re a mission-driven organization,” Levy stated. 

The development could boost revenue, attract new residents to town and create local jobs, Levy argued — and offer high-quality housing to ​“the missing middle,” meaning middle class workers like government employees, firefighters, and teachers, to ensure that ​“they are able to live in the communities where they work.”

“These young people and empty-nesters are a key demographic for supporting the local stores, restaurants and business to benefit the local community,” Senior Vice President Eric Gerard told the Independent.

“All Vessel units are super energy-efficient, and are pre-wired for all the latest home technology, all at a price that is attainable to working class people,” he said of Vessel’s carbon-neutral buildings.

Another unique component of the company is that it employs ​“community caretakers,” building managers who live locally. ​“It’s the best of local ownership and operation with corporate oversight,” Levy told the council Monday.

Council members seemed sold on the potential development — and on the vision of Levy’s company.

“If you’re doing everything that you say, I’m just like, wow!” said Council member Justin Farmer. ​“Much success to you and your business ventures.”

“I’m really excited about this,” said Council member Ted Stevens, who said that Centerville is an underdeveloped neighborhood.

Representative Sarah Gallagher asked whether Vessel might be able to add additional affordable apartments, priced in parallel with 20 percent AMI rather than 60.

Levy noted that Vessel does not receive any public financing. While he said he is ​“very supportive of that idea,” it is unlikely that the company could afford to construct many apartments with cheaper rents. Those technicalities, however, may remain part of negotiations with the developer as long as the council moves the discussion forward.

Councilwoman Betty Wetmore cited concerns about parking and traffic on Dixwell Avenue. ​“I’m looking forward to it so long as you have parking for everyone and not just the tenants,” she said. 

Levy said that Vessel is still working through various site plans to ensure on-site parking for tenants as well as ample room for patrons of neighboring restaurants and shops. He pointed out that that issue will be fleshed out further by Planning and Zoning when the time comes.

“If we get started now,” Levy said, ​“we’ll be welcoming residents by early 2023.” Economic Development Director Erik Johnson said Vessel is expected to make a request regarding the specifics of the ground lease within the next 30 days.