Town: At Home Branford, Partners To 'Redevelop, Transform' Town-Owned 11 Cherry Hill Road

BRANFORD, CT — The town has selected At Home Branford and partners to redevelop the town-owned-property at 11 Cherry Hill Road, a news release from officials reads. The redevelopment would transform the "historic site into an affordable residential community that provides eight affordable homeownership units and three affordable rental apartments within a rehabilitated portion of the existing structure," according to the town.

The "historic site" will become an affordable residential community" with 8 affordable homeownership units, 3 affordable rental apartments.

"This is an opportunity to achieve a beneficial repurpose of the Canoe Brook School building with a project that aligns with the Town’s Plan of Conservation and Development," First Selectman James B. Cosgrove said. "The At Home Branford team members have the experience, resources, and connection to the community, necessary to ensure the project respects the historical attributes and complements the neighborhood character."

According to the town, the project represents a "major step forward in Branford’s ongoing efforts to expand housing options for residents of all incomes while preserving community character and historic resources."

Located in the heart of the Cherry Hill neighborhood, the redevelopment of 11 Cherry Hill Road "will offer new pathways to homeownership and maintain the integrity of one of Branford’s most notable historic properties," it's noted in a news release.

The proposal from At Home Branford was selected through a competitive review process led by the Town’s Planning, Conservation and Development Department. The project team demonstrated a strong commitment to high-quality design, sustainability, and long-term community stewardship.

"We are honored and inspired to have been chosen for the re-development of Canoe Brook," At Home Branford’s president Maryann Amore said.

She spoke for its Board and Development Partners about their selection: "As individuals who live in and love Branford, we know we can build new, sustainable homes while working to preserve the historic look and legacy of the Canoe Brook School. This project is an extraordinary opportunity to fulfill our joint mission of ‘bringing housing within reach.’ "

The project team
 At Home Branford, an independent 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to the creation of
attainable housing opportunities.

 The Green Planet Company is a Guilford-based 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to the
development of affordable and sustainably designed homes for first time homebuyers and
has developed Great Hill Cottage Community in Guilford, CT.
 Giordano Development is a local development company with extensive track record of
navigating complex requirements for diverse development projects and it affiliated with
Giordano Construction Co, a fourth generation, family owned company based in
Branford.
The redevelopment will include:
 Eight affordable homeownership units, designed for income-eligible households earning
below 80% of the area median income (AMI);
 Three affordable rental units located within a restored portion of the historic building;
 Preservation of the property’s architectural character and integration with the surrounding
neighborhood;
 Landscaping and site improvements that enhance the property’s appearance and
community connections.
The project still needs to obtain local approvals and financing commitments. Additionally, At
Home Branford will need to perform community outreach to help inform the neighborhood and
solicit feedback for the project. Once completed, the development construction timeline will be
established will provide long-term affordable housing opportunities and contribute to Branford’s
ongoing efforts to strengthen neighborhood vitality and economic diversity.