Envisioning more affordable housing in Cornwall

CORNWALL — With the homes selling for roughly triple pre-pandemic prices in Cornwall, solutions for attracting young families to town are in high demand.

More than 50 community members gathered at the Cornwall Library Feb. 22 to brainstorm potential uses of a 12-acre plot at 282 Kent Road.

The session was hosted by Cornwall Housing Corporation and Litchfield County Center for Housing Opportunity (LCCHO), who aim to develop the land with up to 24 affordable units.

LCCHO Director Jocelyn Ayer described the project as “very early days” and the goal of the forum was to learn “the community vision for this site.”

The property is owned by David Berto, a housing consultant who purchased it at a tax lien sale in 2023. CHC has the option to buy the land from Berto for the purpose of creating housing.

Brownfield testing is underway courtesy of a grant from Northwest Hills Council of Governments. Previous testing conducted in 2004 and 2005 found heavy metals in the land and hydrocarbons in the groundwater.

Berto said at that time the owners “basically removed all of the surface contamination, so we don’t think there’s much left now but we don’t know yet.”

After a brief breakdown of the lay of the land, attendees split into five groups to design their vision for the site. Topographical maps were distributed to each team with paper cutouts to place residential units on the property.

Ideas abounded at the affordable housing forum in Cornwall Feb. 22. Riley Klein

Ideas flourished and each group presented to the forum.

The consensus was to maximize the number of residential units, which was determined to be 24. Rental units were preferred by most groups due to space-saving qualities and the expressed need by individuals on the housing waitlist.

Most designs consolidated the structures to preserve as much open space as possible.

Some popular ideas were solar panels, either on the roofs or in an open field, bear-proof trash receptacles, rural aesthetic for the structures, a nature trail and courtyards for residents.

Consideration was given to creating community spaces for the greater public to utilize. These included a park and playground, community gardens along the road, and a community center.

Ayer thanked everyone for contributing to the forum and encouraged residents to stay involved in the process.

Environmental testing of the property will go through the fall of 2025. Ayer said another forum will be scheduled when the evaluation produces results.