Soon-to-be homeowners tour new development as completion date nears

NORFOLK — The Northwest Corner is set to receive 10 new affordable homeownership opportunities before summertime as construction at the Haystack Woods development nears completion.

The Foundation for Norfolk Living hosted its third open house for the new development on March 14, seeking to draw applications for the remaining unclaimed properties.

Five of the houses have already received applications, though none of the sales will close until after construction finishes, anticipated for early May.

The development, which sits below the forested slopes of Haystack Mountain approximately half a mile from downtown Norfolk, broke ground last May with the promise of a homeownership model that is both sustainable and affordable. The homes will be powered entirely by solar panels set on the broad roofs of two carport structures, which will be equipped with a parking bay, storage unit and electric vehicle charging port for each house. The Foundation has described Haystack Woods as a “Net Zero” community as it will power its own energy needs.

Foundation Chair Kate Johnson, who was greeting prospective buyers as they drove up on Saturday afternoon, said that the energy model requires residents to pay a monthly hookup fee — “$10, plus or minus a few” — but nothing further. She estimated homeowners at Haystack Woods will save approximately $5,000 in energy each year.

“It’s going to enable people who live at Haystack Woods to manage their budgets,” said Foundation Vice Chair Avice Meehan, who also helped guide tours of the almost complete homes. “They won’t be seeing the spikes in heating like the rest of us do.”

Johnson gestured at the array of structures, emphasizing that the “shells” of the buildings were also designed to be energy efficient, meaning residents also won’t be using as much in the first place.

There are three home styles on offer at Haystack Woods, all single-family: a single story, two-bedroom “Ranch” design, a two story, three-bedroom “Cape” house and a broad two story, three-bedroom layout called the “Two Story.” Pricing, which ranges from $159,000 to $261,000, will be based on design and the homeowner’s income.

Applicants for any of the homes must earn below 80% of Litchfield County’s Area Median Income, known as the AMI, while some units are reserved for those who make under 60% of the AMI. Anyone in the household must also have not owned a home in the past three years, and the home must be a primary residence.

The Litchfield County Center for Housing Opportunity, a region-wide affordable housing advocacy group, is supporting applicants as they navigate early homeownership, including with financial planning and considerations.

The complex, which is arranged across two cul-de-sac style lanes, is built on a 39-acre plot that once housed a gravel pit. Over half of the parcel has been dedicated as conserved land, and is currently under permanent protection by the Norfolk Land Trust.