Connecticut
In one affluent CT town, uncommonly little public resistance to affordable housing plan
Despite hitting widespread public opposition to its affordable housing plans in several wealthy Connecticut towns, Vessel Technologies has gotten mostly support for its proposed 64-unit apartment building in Avon.
Only one resident spoke against the plan at a hearing Tuesday night, and letters and email about the project ran 6-1 in favor of it, zoning officials said.
The town is expected to decide next month whether New York-based Vessel may build 64 small, high-tech apartments off Avonwood Road near Route 44.
The company has invoked Connecticut’s 8-30g law, which sharply limits the authority of local zoning commissions over affordable housing proposals.
Vessel has encountered a range of responses to similar 8-30g plans elsewhere: Cheshire approved one relatively quickly, while Granby recently rejected another. Vessel took Simsbury, Glastonbury and Rocky Hill to court after they tried to keep it out; the company negotiated a compromise with Rocky Hill, reached a settlement with Simsbury and is still pursuing its Glastonbury suit.
In most of those communities, groups of homeowners were outspoken in urging the town to stop Vessel from building. Mostly they cited concerns about too much density and traffic, but objections included water runoff from the parking lots, architecture that wouldn’t conform with the surrounding neighborhoods and excessive building height.
In some towns, hearings on Vessel plans have been adjourned to larger venues to accommodate overflow crowds. But in Avon, Vessel has gotten more pushback from the planning and zoning commission than from the public.
Only two residents spoke at Tuesday night’s hearing, with one man emphasizing that 8-30g doesn’t prohibit the commission from voting “no.” Instead, it gives developers an advantage afterward if they appeal a rejection — and that only comes into play if they’re willing to take the town to court, he said.
Avonwood Road homeowner Nancy Maccoll told commissioners that parking and traffic are serious issues with the Vessel plan. Since Avonwood is a cul de sac, Maccoll said it can’t accommodate overflow cars from Vessel ending up parked along the roadside.
“I’ve lived here for over 20 years. Avonwood Road is a very small, tiny road, there’s one lane going in and one gong out. I find it totally unacceptable that you would even consider people parking on the street,” she said.
There’s heavy traffic already when the Reggio Magnet School is in session, and putting even more cars through the Avonwood and Waterville Road traffic light will cause backups, she said.
But even though Avonwood has nearly 200 apartments, no other people spoke Tuesday night.
Two commissioners raised reservations about parking and fire safety, noting that 8-30g lists public health and safety as the two factors that could justify rejecting affordable housing plans.
After company President Josh Levy agreed to add three spaces to the 70 already planned, one commissioner pressed for more and warned that overflow visitors would end up parking along the street and potentially blocking firetrucks and other motorists. Levy said his consultants would work with town staff to see if reconfiguring the landscaping would allow a couple additional spaces.
Commissioner Robin Baran, though, cautioned that the zoning rules that cover Vessel’s plan require only 67 spaces.
“One thing I’ve learned in eight years here is that you have to vote to the regulation. That is legally how we have to vote,” she said. “I share everyone’s concerns up here and favor working together to maximize the parking, but this has been deemed a suitable property (under Avon’s long-term development plan) for affordable housing and apartment buildings.”
Vessel plans a four-story building with 61 one-bedroom, 560-square-foot apartments and three two-bedroom, 560-square-foot units. Levy would set aside 30% as “affordable” under state regulations, so rents would be restricted for 40 years to be affordable to people earning no more than 60% or 80% of the area’s median income.
Levy said that would work out to monthly rates of $1,240 at 60% and $1,450 at 80%, but noted those figures change every year based on state data. The other 70% of units would probably be leased in the $1,600 to $1,700, but that estimate isn’t firm, Levy said.
The commission discussed the public safety language in 8-30g, but Chairman Lisa Levin noted that the law brings that into play only when those concerns “clearly outweigh” the need for affordable housing and cannot be addressed by reasonable changes to the plan.
“This applicant has been making every effort to accommodate and make the reasonable changes with the overflow parking,” she said. “I don’t know that we can ask more.”
When one commissioner suggested more than 30% of the apartments should be limited to affordable rents, Levy said that would leave no way to control expense increases in the future. He said Vessel would be willing to talk with town officials if Avon wanted to provide long-term tax caps.
The commission closed the hearing Tuesday, and may vote when it takes up the matter again July 16.
Connecticut
Marian Katz Obituary
Connecticut
CBIA BizCast: Snapshot of Connecticut’s Economy » CBIA
New data is shedding light on the state of Connecticut’s economy and labor force.
On this episode of the CBIA BizCast, CBIA Foundation director Dustin Nord joins host Amanda Marlow to talk about new Connecticut Department of Labor data that highlights the mismatch between increased job openings and a shrinking labor force.
Connecticut job openings jumped 2.6% in May to 87,356—however, since May 2025, 37,700 people have left Connecticut’s labor force.
Nord breaks down some of the reasons for this mismatch and what needs to be done to address Connecticut’s economic challenges.
He also shares insights into a U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis report showing Connecticut’s economy expanded 1.8% in the first quarter of 2026.
Episode Highlights:
- Job Openings vs. Workforce Shortage
- Unemployment Trends
- GDP Growth Amid Labor Challenges
- Affordability and Long-Term Competitiveness
Headlines You May Have Missed:
The CBIA BizCast is made possible through the generous support of Google. Subscribe to the BizCast wherever you get your podcasts. Please rate the podcast and leave us a review—we appreciate your support! And be sure to give us your feedback and share guests you’d like to hear.
Connecticut
This Underrated Connecticut Town Is Getting National Recognition as One of the Best Places to Live
According to Islands.com, one Connecticut town is getting some well-deserved national attention, and it’s probably not the one you’d expect.
When people think about standout Connecticut destinations, places like Mystic, Greenwich, or New Haven usually dominate the conversation. But this time, the spotlight is on Cheshire, which was recently recognized as one of the best places to live in the state.
The national travel website points to Cheshire’s combination of small-town charm, outdoor recreation, local businesses, and great restaurants as some of the biggest reasons it’s become such a desirable place to call home. It’s also no stranger to high rankings. Cheshire was named the best place to live in New Haven County by Niche in 2025 and has also landed on Money Magazine’s list of the best places to live in America. Its public schools continue to receive high marks as well.
One of Cheshire’s biggest draws is its access to nature. The town is home to scenic orchards, beautiful greenhouses, and is known as Connecticut’s bedding plant capital. During the fall, local farms and orchards become popular destinations for apple picking, fresh cider, and seasonal treats. Outdoor lovers also have easy access to Roaring Brook Falls, Sleeping Giant State Park, and the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail.
Of course, no Connecticut town earns national praise without having some great food. Islands.com highlighted Cheshire’s pizza scene, including Fuoco Apizza and Pop’s Pizza, along with Viron Rondo Osteria for Italian cuisine. Beer lovers can also stop by Counter Weight Brewing, while Sweet Claude’s Ice Cream and Shef’s Bagels round out the town’s lineup of local favorites.
Cheshire may not get the same attention as some of Connecticut’s bigger destinations, but this latest recognition suggests it deserves a spot on your list. Whether you’re looking for a weekend road trip or thinking about putting down roots, this quiet New Haven County town is proving it has a lot more to offer than many people realize.
7 of the Most Beautiful Towns in the State of Connecticut
Connecticut is overflowing with both manmade and natural beauty. In some places, the two intersect to create a magical, almost fictional feel. Here are 7 Connecticut Towns that look like they came straight from a storybook.
Gallery Credit: Lou Milano
5 Historic Connecticut Towns That Feel Frozen in Time
Connecticut is full of towns people rush past on the highway without realizing what they’re missing. Everyone knows the big names, but some of the best places in the state are the ones that don’t always make the travel lists. These towns are quieter, full of character, and worth slowing down for at least an afternoon.
Gallery Credit: Lou Milano
Look Inside the Largest Indoor Collaborative Artwork in the World
I visited the American Mural Project in Winsted, Connecticut for the first time recently, and for those who haven’t seen it, here’s a quick peek at what to expect when you gaze upon the largest indoor collaborative piece of artwork in the world
Gallery Credit: Photos by Large Dave
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