A fierce debate over housing and community character is unfolding in one of Connecticut's wealthiest towns. Officials in Woodbridge have given the green light to a 96-unit apartment complex, a decision that has ignited significant opposition from residents concerned about traffic, schools, and environmental impact.
Plans and Protests in an Affluent Enclave
Woodbridge, with an average household income of nearly $160,000 and average home prices around $665,000, is known for its charming single-family homes and top-rated Beecher Road School. The approved project, to be built by Fountain Ridge LLC on six acres at 804 Fountain Street, will introduce a four-story building with a mix of 16 studio, 55 one-bedroom, and 25 two-bedroom units.
Critically, roughly 15 percent of the units will be designated as affordable housing. Half of these affordable apartments will be leased to those earning under 80% of the area's average income, with the other half reserved for those earning under 60%. This move comes as the town's affordable housing stock sits at just 1.4 percent, far below the state's 10 percent benchmark.
Resident Concerns: Traffic, Schools, and Runoff
Local opposition has been vocal and multifaceted. Wealthy residents argue the development will cause excessive traffic near the Woodbridge-New Haven line and potentially overwhelm the acclaimed public schools with new student enrolment.
Environmental worries have also been prominent. Resident Deb Lovely told officials she feared stormwater runoff and drainage problems from the steep Fountain Street hill could damage her home's foundation, calling it a "terrible location." Another local, Rob Rosasco, highlighted construction concerns, estimating that 3,900 three-axle dump trucks might be needed to remove a large rock, further exacerbating traffic.
Commission Approval and the Wider Housing Context
Despite these objections, the Woodbridge Zoning Commission found the project compliant with local regulations. It stated there was no substantial evidence the build would unreasonably pollute or destroy natural resources. The commission also noted the project does not qualify under the state's 8-30g law—which allows developers to bypass local zoning in towns with low affordable housing—as less than 30% of its units are affordable.
However, the spectre of that law looms over Woodbridge. Another proposal at 27 Beecher Road does fall under 8-30g, and a separate plan exists to develop the town's old country club into housing. Democrats have argued the town of 9,000 has been reluctant to change for too long, while proponents see the Fountain Street project as providing much-needed multifamily and affordable options for local workers like teachers and retail staff. Rents are projected to start from $969 per month for studios.
The approval signifies a pivotal moment for Woodbridge, forcing a confrontation between preserving an exclusive community and meeting broader housing needs as mandated by state policy.
