Pub. 4 2019 Issue 1

21 ISSUE 1 2019 units set aside for 60% AMI or below households. Of these affordable units, 8 apartments are set aside as permanently supportive units. The remaining 15 apartments are unrestricted market-rate units. Each residential unit includes its own washer and dryer, as well as dishwasher and central air conditioning. All residents have access to the community room, fitness center, and floor-by-floor storage facilities. Energy efficiency measures, including high performance build- ing design, ensure operating sustainability for the long term, including a roof mounted solar photovoltaic system. Residents have card access via a controlled lobby off of State Street. These security measures are crucial for ensuring the safety of residents and for creating the type of pedestrian-friendly environment that will encourage future development. Furthermore, 9 units have been designed to UFAS accessibility standards, and 2 units are designed to accommodate households with hearing and/or visual impairments. Finally, the building offers common areas and offices for res- ident coordinators and supportive services providers that will guarantee supportive housing and low income tenants have access to the resources they need. These services are provided through Columbus House, a CT-based supportive services provider. For services that can’t be provided on site, healthcare and counseling are available at the Adult Learning Center and Health Center across the street from the building’s entrance. In addition to providing convenient access to services and ame- nities in Meriden’s downtown, Meriden Commons is located just 900 feet from Meriden’s Train Station offering rapid trans- portation to nearby job hubs in New Haven and Hartford. This newly renovated station opened in April 2018 and is expected to increase roundtrip weekday service between New Haven and Springfield. The CT DOT is focusing on transit-oriented development to increase walkability, econonomic development and land value within a half mile radius of each station. Meriden Commons contributes to this plan for transit by pro- viding the density (> 50 units / acre) that makes transit oriented districts successful and by offering active ground floor uses that attract pedestrians. Additionally, the project complies with all of Meriden’s Transit Oriented Development design standards, ensuring that the project integrates with future developments in a way that promotes the overall success of the district. In July 2018, Pennrose broke ground on the second phase of Meriden Commons which is slated to open later this year. Information will become available at Pennrose.com in the coming months.