In a recent meeting of the Board of Alders, city officials addressed the pressing housing crisis affecting the community, highlighting a significant shortfall of approximately 90,000 housing units statewide. The discussion centered on innovative solutions to meet the growing demand for affordable housing, particularly through the development of smaller format homes.

City leaders reported that New Haven has been a frontrunner in housing production, averaging around 500 new units annually over the past decade, with 500 permits issued just this year. However, they acknowledged that this pace is still insufficient to meet the community's needs. The officials noted a positive trend in the private market, with projects like the 96-unit development at 19 Elm Street expected to alleviate some pressure on the housing market.

The meeting also introduced plans for two significant projects on State Street, which aim to transform urban renewal parking lots into housing units. These projects, in collaboration with development partners, are anticipated to yield over 100 new units without displacing current residents.

A key focus of the meeting was the exploration of \"small healthy homes,\" which are designed to be more affordable and efficient. These homes could take various forms, including cottages and accessory dwelling units (ADUs), which are secondary to primary structures. The city is considering revisions to the ADU ordinance to remove certain restrictions, such as owner occupancy requirements and minimum lot sizes, to facilitate the creation of more housing options.

Officials emphasized the potential benefits of tiny homes, particularly for elderly residents seeking to downsize. They discussed the possibility of developing communities of tiny homes, which could provide not only housing but also support services for residents.

As the city moves forward with these initiatives, officials reiterated their commitment to addressing the housing crisis and creating sustainable solutions for the community. They encouraged public engagement and feedback on the proposed housing strategies, aiming to foster a collaborative approach to tackling the ongoing challenges in the housing sector.