Selectmen Approve $500,000 Grant For Cohanzie School Demolition

After a public hearing on the matter where no negative comments were received, the Waterford Board of Selectmen (BOS) unanimously passed a resolution authorizing the First Selectman to apply for the Connecticut Small Cities Community Development Block Grant in the amount of $500,000 for the purpose of demolition of the old Cohanzie School on Dayton Road in order to transfer the property to AHEPA 250, INC. who plan to construct a 54 unit housing complex to serve low and moderate income persons.  In testimony during the public hearing representatives of AHEPA noted that the housing was designed for persons 62 years old or older with single person incomes of less than $30,000.  Terry Mitchell from AHEPA emphasized that the AHEPA units followed the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) guidelines for “subsidized elderly housing”. 

One drawback on the application is the fact that AHEPA has not yet received the grant they are requesting to build the housing complex.  Since this is the fifth such unit the group has built in Southeastern Connecticut, it seems likely that they will obtain the grant soon.  This will move part of the Cohanzie School property to the tax rolls.  To encourage senior housing, Waterford already has an ordinance that provides a tax break of 50% for such housing.  According to First Selectman Dan Steward, one half is better than none.

The BOS has scheduled a special meeting for Thursday, May 19, 2011 to consider and act on an agreement with AHEPA 250 Inc. for an option to sell the former Cohanzie School property to AHEPA 250, Inc. for $600,000.

In other actions the BOS initiated an acceptance of a conservation easement of the Hoagland Subdivision at .  Town Planner Tom Wagner pointed out the 8.85 acres of easement on a map of the area.  The final acceptance of the easement will be made by the Representative Town Meeting (RTM) after the Town Attorney approves the final easement documents.