N. STONINGTON - A new mixed-use development, with two-thirds of the units deed-restricted as affordable, has been proposed for a site on Route 2 north of the Holly Green shopping plaza and south of Mains Crossing Road.

According to the application submitted to the Planning and Zoning Commission, the project, called Meadowcourt, will contain 14 multi-family buildings containing a total of 84 housing units. Fifty-six affordable units will be one-bedroom apartments, while additional two-bedroom and studio units will be rented at market prices.

The 56 affordable units will be reserved for people whose income is at or below 80 percent of the area median income, as defined by the Office of Management and Budget. Thirteen of those units will be for people who earn less than 60 percent of the area median income. In the Norwich-New London area, which covers New London County, the median household income is $56,350 for one person and $64,400 for a couple.

The plan is for the apartments to be small - 700 square feet for two bedrooms, 500 square feet for one bedroom, and 350 square feet for a studio.

In addition to the apartments, the plan for Meadowcourt includes a two-story, 6,000-square-foot community center; a 1,800-square-foot canteen and greenhouse to serve the community center; and a 3,000-square-foot farmers market and country store. The facilities would be available to the entire town, not just Meadowcourt residents. Approximately one acre of land would remain as open space for a neighborhood green.

North Stonington's housing stock contains less than one percent affordable units, which is one of the lowest percentages in the state. A Connecticut statute makes it more difficult for any town with less than 10 percent affordable units to reject developments with affordable housing.

The Planning and Zoning Commission has accepted two applications, one for the zone change that would allow the development, and another to amend regulations to accept the zone change. The public hearing is scheduled to open on Jan. 8.

lrovetti@thewesterlysun.com