New Haven’s 70-Unit Housing Project Near Riverfront Unveiled

UPDATE: A groundbreaking plan for a 70-unit housing project near the Quinnipiac River in New Haven, Connecticut, has just been unveiled, prompting public feedback on its potential environmental impacts. The proposed development, known as Oyster Harbor Village, aims to revitalize a 1.34-acre site with a mix of residential units, retail spaces, and green areas.

The project, announced by River Front Development, LLC, is set to include 10% of the units designated as affordable housing, making them accessible to families earning 50% or below the area median income. Additionally, the plan features 29,000 square feet of green space and a boardwalk to enhance pedestrian access, transforming a site with a history of industrial use, including a coal yard and metalworking shop.

The New Haven Board of Alders is actively seeking public input, with written comments accepted until December 19, 2025. This feedback will be crucial as the project navigates its environmental review process, which was initiated with a Connecticut notice for scoping.

Governor Ned Lamont remarked on the importance of such developments, stating, “Old, polluted, blighted properties that have sat vacant for decades do nothing to stimulate our economy.” He announced a total of $18.8 million in state grants for the assessment and remediation of contaminated lands across Connecticut, with $947,500 allocated specifically for the cleanup of the Front Street properties involved in this project.

The overall cost for the Oyster Harbor Village development is expected to reach approximately $34 million, with construction anticipated to take up to three years. This includes an initial four to five months dedicated to cleaning up the contaminated area before construction can commence.

The project also promises to deliver 18,000 square feet of commercial space, including a restaurant, oyster bar, and coffee shop, alongside floating docks for public use. This initiative is expected to attract around $218 million in private investment and facilitate the creation of up to 450 housing units across various sites in Connecticut.

As the community prepares to voice its opinions, the urgency of this project underscores a significant step towards revitalization in New Haven. Local residents are encouraged to engage in this process, highlighting the potential for both economic growth and enhanced quality of life in their neighborhoods.

For more information or to submit comments, residents can contact Gregory Ambros at the Department of Economic and Community Development at 450 Columbus Boulevard, Hartford, CT 06103, or via email at [email protected].