From the Norwalk (CT) Hour: "Compact, walkable housing developments in neighborhoods located near transit can increase a community's economic competitiveness, and reduce housing cost for its residents, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Smart Growth Guidelines for Sustainable Design & Development.
"Three years ago, Westchester asset management company Seavest purchased four land parcels in a blighted area of Norwalk. Fairfield County builders Andrew LaSala and Steven Berko of Summerview Development Group were hired to develop and manage the project.
"Today, Summerview Development Group has built 31 of the one-, two- and three-bedroom townhouse apartments in a 63-unit townhouse style rental community known as Summerview Square. Construction is under way on the last phase of 32 units.
"'This has been a huge step towards development on the city's north side, an area that has been a question mark for years,' Mayor Richard Moccia said. 'Summerview Square demonstrates that smaller infill sites can enhance the economic and social health of a neighborhood,' said Liz Verna, president of the Home Builders Association of Connecticut.
"Roger Wechter lives in a two-family home on West Main Street and also owns a neighborhood business, Cross River Lock. He's pleased that Summerview 'architecturally fits in with the neighborhood,' and he said his business has also benefitted. The colonial and Victorian-style buildings mimic the neighborhood's older two-family homes, including the front porches." Full article here.