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Affordable Housing
LIHTC Projects
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Population
Central Somers, located in Somers, Connecticut, has a significant presence of Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) funded affordable housing. The neighborhood contains 147 units in LIHTC-funded projects, with 86 designated as low-income units. Based on the 2022 population of 8,331 and an estimated 3,192 housing units, LIHTC-funded affordable housing represents approximately 4.6% of the total estimated housing inventory.
The LIHTC program has invested substantially in Central Somers, with project tax credits totaling $1,181,713. This equates to an average federal funding of about $8,039 per unit in LIHTC-funded projects. The neighborhood has had LIHTC-funded affordable housing since at least 2009, with the completion of the Woodcrest Elderly project. This project, along with Woodcrest Eldery Housing, constitute the primary components of the neighborhood's LIHTC-funded affordable housing inventory.
The affordable housing units in Central Somers primarily consist of efficiencies and one-bedroom units, with 61 efficiencies, 8 one-bedroom units, and 6 two-bedroom units. This distribution indicates a focus on housing for individuals or small households, potentially aligning with the elderly population targeted by the Woodcrest projects.
Central Somers has experienced minor fluctuations in its population over the past decade, with a slight overall decline from 8,863 in 2014 to 8,331 in 2022. The median income has varied, ranging from a low of $107,897 in 2015 to a high of $118,842 in 2021, before settling at $110,085 in 2022. This relatively high median income suggests that while there is a need for affordable housing, it may not be as critical as in areas with lower median incomes.
The racial composition of Central Somers has remained predominantly white throughout the decade, with a slight decrease from 94% in 2015 to 89% in 2022. There has been a small increase in the Hispanic population from 1% in 2015 to 3% in 2022, and a rise in those identifying as two or more races or other races. This demographic stability may partially explain the lack of new LIHTC projects in recent years, as the community's needs may not have changed significantly.
Central Somers has an established base of LIHTC-funded affordable housing, primarily serving the elderly population. The current inventory represents a small percentage of the total estimated housing units but provides important housing options for low-income residents. The neighborhood's high median income and stable demographic composition indicate that while affordable housing is necessary, the demand may not be as acute as in other areas. The focus on efficiency and one-bedroom units in the LIHTC projects aligns well with the needs of the elderly population they serve. As the community continues to evolve, ongoing assessment of affordable housing needs will be crucial to ensure a balanced housing market for all residents.