Loading Content...
Affordable Housing in Manchester's West Side: LIHTC Impact and Demographic Shifts
CATEGORY
Affordable Housing
DATA
LIHTC Projects
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Population
Loading Content...
Affordable Housing
LIHTC Projects
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Population
The West Side neighborhood of Manchester, Connecticut, exhibits a significant presence of Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) funded affordable housing. The area contains 366 units in LIHTC-funded projects, with 301 designated as low-income units. As of 2022, the neighborhood's population was 6,926, with an estimated housing inventory of approximately 2,654 units based on the national average household size. The LIHTC-funded affordable housing comprises about 13.8% of the estimated housing units in the neighborhood, approaching the 15-20% target range for a well-balanced community.
The LIHTC projects in the West Side have received $11,805,149 in project tax credits, averaging approximately $32,254 per unit in federal funding. This investment highlights the LIHTC program's role in supporting affordable housing development in the area. The neighborhood's LIHTC-funded affordable housing spans over two decades, with the earliest projects completed in 1996 and the most recent known completion in 2015.
The 2000s and 2010s experienced the most affordable housing development activity, with several projects completed during this period. The LIHTC-funded projects in the West Side offer a diverse range of unit types, including 71 one-bedroom, 142 two-bedroom, 87 three-bedroom, and 12 four-bedroom units, catering to various household sizes and needs within the community.
Over the past decade, the West Side has undergone notable demographic shifts. The population increased from 5,688 in 2013 to 6,926 in 2022, indicating rising housing demand. Median income fluctuated, peaking at $66,330 in 2017 before declining to $52,603 in 2022, suggesting a potential increase in the need for affordable housing options.
Racial demographics have also changed significantly. The Hispanic population grew from 21% in 2013 to 40% in 2022, while the white population decreased from 47% to 34% during the same period. The black population remained relatively stable, ranging between 18-28% over the decade. These changes in racial composition may influence future affordable housing needs and planning.
The West Side neighborhood of Manchester, Connecticut, demonstrates a significant commitment to affordable housing through its LIHTC-funded projects. With 366 total units, including 301 low-income units, the neighborhood approaches the target range for a well-balanced affordable housing stock. The diverse unit types and long-term development history indicate ongoing efforts to meet various housing needs. Recent demographic trends, including population growth and changes in median income and racial composition, suggest that the demand for affordable housing may continue to evolve. The LIHTC program has played a crucial role in supporting affordable housing development in this neighborhood, contributing to its housing diversity and accessibility.
