Broad-Park, an organization working to revitalize Middletown’s North End, has lost a $1.6 million grant, delaying the construction of new housing units. The “Wharf-side Commons,” which will include 96 rental units, were originally expected to open in late 2006.
Broad-Park was planning to receive support from the state’s Housing Trust Fund in order to carry out its project when it encountered an unexpected obstacle.
“Broad-Park probably didn’t realize that they had to demonstrate control over the property in order to qualify for state funds,” said Peter Patton, vice president and secretary of the University.
The Housing Trust Fund requires that Broad-Park actually control the six properties in the North End where construction was to take place. Now searching for new sources of support, Broad-Park has contacted the Nehemiah Housing Corporation, a non-profit group that has been involved in the North End since 1986. Nehemiah reportedly has access to alternative sources of funding.
“Nehemiah and Broad-Park are just beginning to discuss how we’d work together in a partnership,” said Executive Director of Nehemiah Michael Taylor. “I should know more about that agreement in a couple of weeks.”
In light of the on-going discussion, Taylor declined to comment further.
Broad-Park is part of a larger community effort to rejuvenate the North End, a historically residential area bordered by High St., Washington Ave., Routes 9, and Route 3. The area is associated with high crime and poverty rates.
The grassroots North End Action Team (NEAT), the City of Middletown, the University, and other organizations are involved in redeveloping the neighborhood’s substandard housing on Ferry St., Green St., and Rapallo Ave. Redevelopers aim to provide affordable and attractive housing options to residents of middle- to lower-income levels.
“Wesleyan just wants to be a part of the city, to encourage the developers and be as supportive as possible,” Patton said. “In a way, Wesleyan’s involvement in building the Green Street Arts Center was a catalyst for revitalizing the neighborhood.”
“It is in everyone’s best interest not to have the blighted, vacant buildings in the North End,” he added.
Broad-Park also intends to provide home-ownership opportunities in the North End.
“Fourteen units will be owner-occupied and will probably be condos, although this is not definite. The housing will reflect the architectural style that presently exists in the neighborhood,” Brewster said.
“Homeownership will provide the needed stability and investment to reduce some of the negative indicators that exist in the neighborhood, such as crime, drugs, and complaints about quality of life,” said Director of NEAT Lydia Brewster. “Homeownership will also create more investment in the neighborhood and raise the income level of the area, which is presently the lowest in the city and ranks among the lowest in the state.”
Despite delays, all concerned members remain optimistic and committed to the project.
“Progress has been slower than expected, but I am confident that we are on the right track,” Patton said. “There was some progress at the last redevelopment meeting and we are hoping to have this resolved within the next two months.”
Brewster noted that some families have already expressed interest in purchasing the anticipated housing units, and that NEAT will offer home-ownership preparation programs this winter for first-time homeowners.
“There is near unanimous opinion in all courts that homeownership will provide increased stability, encourage a successful rental project, reduce the concentration of poverty, and reduce public safety concerns,” Brewster said. “All parties hope that some funding will emerge before spring that allow the project to move forward, but that is not definite at this time.”
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