Health & Fitness
Does Shelton Really Need More Luxury Apartments?
A developer is proposing to build an apartment complex on 13 acres behind Planet Fitness/Bertucci's, but with a price tag that is unaffordable for many, is it really the best use of the space?
Up until last week, most people in Shelton probably did not realize that tucked away behind the combined parking lot for Planet Fitness and Bertucci’s sits a 13 acre property. Despite its prime location on Bridgeport Avenue and attempts to sell over the years, the property has never been developed for usage.
There is a good chance that this is all about to change.
Talbot Partners LLC has presented a proposal for developing the site into another apartment complex. Shelton already has several luxury housing units in the Bridgeport Avenue area, and Avalon Bay is currently constructing another luxury complex on Canal Street, next to the Birmingham building.
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Is another luxury complex really the best use of the space?
According to Talbot Partners, the proposed complex would be made up of 11 buildings built in 4 clusters. The monthly rental prices are set to range between $1,500 and $2,500 for studios, one and two bedroom units.
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Anyone can go ahead and argue that $1,500 is not that pricey for an apartment and in some places, it is not that bad. But given that the proposed price range includes studios along with one and two bedroom units, it is safe to assume that the $1,500 price tag is for a studio.
We are not talking about an apartment in the middle of Manhattan here. We are talking about a small city in Connecticut. Constructing apartment units in Shelton is a good thing, but not when the only buildings being created are out of the price range for many people who might otherwise be interested.
Sure, luxury apartments and condos might bring in or retain residents who would otherwise move somewhere else. But at the same time, solely constructing luxury units makes it difficult for younger adults who either choose not to or cannot have a house to find somewhere to live.
While the pricier units might be keeping more established adults in the city, it is pushing others into neighboring communities who have more affordable options. With 11 buildings being constructed, surely some could include more affordable options.
