For residents of Middletown, the names “North End” and “Ferry Street” have never carried positive connotations. However, construction is underway for a 96-unit, affordable housing complex called Wharfside Commons that will hopefully improve living conditions in the area.
According to the Middletown Press, six four-story brick buildings will be built on the northern side of Ferry Street, a side street commonly used for drug deals due to its proximity to the highway. The Commons will take the place of a parking lot usually filled with trash and loiterers. Additionally, many families had to relocate as a result of this construction.
The Greenwich-based Richman Group will develop, own, and manage the Commons. This new housing will provide residents with such amenities as central air conditioning, elevators, dishwashers, and 24-hour maintenance. The project will cost $22 million, funded mostly by $15 million in tax credits.
“I think [this project] will change perceptions about the North End of Main Street,” said Richman Vice President and Middletown native Pamela Mikus. “Right now people avoid Ferry Street because it has the reputation of being a bad area of town. These developments will help businesses on Main Street, because people will feel safer; it will also provide more patrons for the businesses.”
According to the Middletown Press, 19 of the 96 units will house people with an annual income of about $19,000, 11 units will house those who earn $38,000, and 66 units will house those who make $45,000.
“The project was created so that a number of different income levels could be provided for,” Mikus said. “The developments were underwritten in the hopes that even the good-standing tenants who pay their rents on time will be able to return to Ferry Street.”
The North End Action Team (NEAT) has praised the city’s efforts in creating the high-density housing project.
“Many urbanists now believe that increased density in a neighborhood ultimately helps alleviate crime,” said Lydia Brewster, executive organizer of NEAT. “The more people there are in a neighborhood, the more likely they are to interact with one another, promote activity, and just stand on the street and talk.”
Brewster explained that this not only improves the quality of life as well as the conditions of the neighborhood, but also puts more eyes on the street, which creates a safer environment for the residents.
NEAT plans to work with the business community to improve the appeal of the North End of Main Street.
“We want to develop a brochure for North End to hand out to Wesleyan University, as well as local hotels and businesses,” she said. “There are a lot of attractions on Main Street that we hope will draw more people to the area once they feel more confident about its safety.”
NEAT was formed in 1997 to help stabilize the North End. It has received support from the city and has partnered with the University to create the Green Street Arts Center and a tutoring program in the area.
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