Controversial West Hartford Housing Project On Hold Indefinitely

WEST HARTFORD, CT — Controversial plans to transform an abandoned nursing home site in West Hartford into residential housing, including some affordable units, are on hold.

That's because the developer, Tuesday, officially withdrew its application for the project, a move coming just prior to the April 29 West Hartford Town Council Meeting.

Vessel Holdings LLC/Vessel Technologies Inc. had planned to transform 29 Highland St. into a four-story apartment building.

But those plans require a zone change to be approved by the council.

Specifically, the change would be from the current, single-family housing zone to one allowing for multi-family units within the town's special development district. Such changes in the SDD require town council approval.

Bombarded with questions and concerns during the ongoing public hearing from both the public and the council, Vessel withdrew its application for a zone change on Tuesday.

Because the application was withdrawn, no public comment was to be received on the application at the public hearing, which was slated to resume Tuesday night.

While this particular zone change application has been withdrawn, Vessel could come back.

“We appreciate Vessel’s responsiveness and their willingness to work in partnership with our town staff," West Hartford Town Manager Rick Ledwith said Tuesday in a statement.

"Vessel graciously offered to withdraw its application without prejudice, and we agreed to work in collaboration with Vessel in advancing our shared commitment to affordable housing.”

If Vessel is ever cleared to begin building, it aims to take what was once a nursing home — Hughes Health & Rehabilitation in West Hartford — and transform it into 112 units of multifamily, residential housing.

The housing was to be of varying bedroom amounts, with 34 units deemed "affordable" under state law.

The nursing home/rehabilitation center closed in 2023, with the family-run operation citing a downturn in business and an increase in expenses.

West Hartford officials have been striving in recent years to add to the town's housing stock, especially more affordable housing, to keep younger families and individuals in town.

But a marathon public hearing that started Feb. 25 showed significant community pushback and questions regarding the project.

Several residents expressed mixed emotions about the proposal, with safety and traffic worries about so many units being built a major concern.

Many expressed concern that such a development would add to the area's traffic, which posed quality-of-life and safety concerns, especially given the project's proximity to a school.

Council members also had similar questions, and the hearing at the time was extended to March 11 and then tabled with a resumption originally slated for Tuesday, April 29.

With this application withdrawn, should Vessel opt to resurrect the project, it would have to reapply and go through the public hearing process with the town council again.

In addition, the West Hartford Plan & Zoning Commission would also weigh in before any council action.

From Feb. 26: 'Concerns Raised About West Hartford Apartment Project'