Larry B. Butler

As a previous co-chair of the Housing Committee and a current member, I am determined to help solve Connecticut's affordable housing crisis, starting in Waterbury.



This email is the first of a three-part series that shines a light on affordable housing challenges and success stories, like the NEST Adams Street Development Project in Waterbury's North End.



This currently under-construction — Phase I nearly finished — public-private project includes six modern and affordable two-family houses, a pocket park, new lighting, sidewalks, sewer and water in the Crownbrook neighborhood.

Most if not all of the electricity for the new homes will be produced via solar panels, which will reduce energy usage by 61% or more, achieve near net zero energy usage and result in one of the first near carbon neutral neighborhoods in the region.



The project is also supported by homebuyer and financial education, landlord training, economic development and a Community Building and Empowerment (CB&E) program. NEST will work with individuals at or below 50% of the area median income that are interested in owning one of these homes. NEST will teach, counsel and develop financially astute homeowners, responsible and knowledgeable landlords, and engaged residents to build a stronger community. Interested homeowners would be required to take and successfully complete first-time homebuyer and financial literacy education classes and counseling, and landlord education and CB&E classes made available through NEST. 



Additionally, NEST will assist future homeowners with finding appropriate tenants for their respective rental unit using an application and tenant screening process through our property management consultant. Selected tenants must attend financial literacy education classes and counseling, CB&E classes, and a program called RentWise, which is designed to help occupants learn more about communication, money management, rental agreements/leases, and caring for and cleaning of rental housing. These steps help ensure that interested homeowners and renters have gained the necessary knowledge to become a responsible homeowner, landlord, and tenant. 



Thanks for taking the time to read, and please look out for additional emails in the series soon.