STRATFORD – The Town of Stratford has paved the way for more than 100 units of affordable senior housing when it received title last week to Ella T. Grasso Regional Center property from the state.
After years of negotiations with the State of Connecticut and many discussions with the state’s Department of Administrative Services, the town’s Stratford Housing Authority LLC can now go ahead with the plan for affordable housing on the site.
The state General Assembly approved the transfer of the former Ella T. Grasso Regional Center property, which closed in 2016, to the town in 2018. Since then, Stratford has worked closely with the state Office of Policy and Management (OPM), to complete the transaction.
Despite delays over the 8-year period, the Sept. 17 conveyance ensures the property will serve Stratford residents in need of affordable housing.
“This is a historic and significant moment for Stratford,” said Mayor Laura R. Hoydick . “The conveyance of the Ella T. Grasso property allows us to move forward with plans that will directly benefit and support our seniors.
“With more than 100 units of affordable housing to be developed through an agreement between the town and the Stratford Housing Authority, we are not just building homes; we are strengthening our community and honoring our commitment to provide dignity, security, and opportunity to those who have given so much to Stratford.”
As part of the original Connecticut state delegation that initiated the conveyance in 2018, Rep. Joseph Gresko expressed his gratitude for the completion of the conveyance.
“After nearly eight years, I am proud to have shepherded the conveyance of the Ella T. Grasso property through the state Property Review Board,” Gresko said. “Working in partnership with Mayor Laura Hoydick and the Attorney General’s Office, we were able to bring this long process to a successful fruition. This milestone reflects true collaboration and will provide lasting benefits for the Stratford community.”
State Rep. Ben McGorty added his appreciation for the outcome.
“This was a long process, but through teamwork and persistence, we were able to get it done for the benefit of Stratford,” McGorty said.
The Stratford Housing Authority will now lead the development effort, focusing on high-quality, affordable housing that reflects both community priorities and legislative intent.
“This finalization represents the fulfillment of a vision nearly a decade in the making and signals a new chapter for the Ella Grasso property – one centered on service, community, and opportunity,” Hoydick said.
