Expanding Housing Choices in Berlin: A Look at The Flats at Little Brook
Feb 26, 2025
By: Jamarl Mclean
The Flats at Little Brook, Berlin – CHFA-Supported Mixed-Income Community Provides 88 Rental Homes
To support the development of The Flats at Little Brook in Berlin, the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority (CHFA) provided $14,625,000 in financing. Along with this support, CHFA allocated 4% Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) that generated over $3 million in private investment.
Of the 88 one- and two-bedroom units, twenty-seven are income-restricted, and 61 will be rented at market rates. This economic diversity has the potential to expand the social networks amongst residents by increasing access to local amenities and further limiting the stigma around affordable housing.
“Residents are going to have access to incredible schools, employment centers, chances for upward mobility. That’s an investment you can’t really quantify,” said Nandini Natarajan, CEO and Executive Director of CHFA.
About the Development
The Flats at Little Brook are located at 833 Deming Road, less than a mile east of the Berlin Turnpike – a major commercial corridor for the region. The location offers residents immediate access to a wide array of local amenities including grocery stores, libraries, schools, pharmacies and hospitals which are all within five miles of the development.
Impact on the Local Community
According to a recent Hartford Courant article, “Town leaders are hoping that local businesses will get a boost from new housing—particularly when it’s priced toward young and middle-aged workers with moderate incomes.” Additionally, the town’s last five-year plan to expand affordable housing for residents in Berlin noted that only “…11% of Berlin’s resident workforce is employed in Berlin, and only 9% of Berlin jobs are filled by Berlin residents.” Thus, The Flats at Little Brook have the potential for more local capital to be distributed within these neighborhoods through retaining current and future residents, as well as promoting economic development for locals on a larger scale.
CHFA encourages mixed-income developments like The Flats at Little Brook because they provide residents with access to essential amenities such as grocery stores, healthcare, and recreational spaces. These factors contribute to better health outcomes, foster social connections, and enhance overall community well-being.
About the Developer
The Metro Realty Group is a ground up real estate development company with construction, development, management, and maintenance affiliates. The company owns and manages over 30 properties, including multifamily, medical office, industrial, and traditional office assets.
About the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority
Connecticut Housing Finance Authority is a self-funded, quasi-public organization. Its mission is to alleviate the shortage of housing for low- to moderate-income families and people in this state and, when appropriate, to promote or maintain the economic development of this state through employer-assisted housing efforts.
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Jamarl Mclean is a current graduate student at the University of Connecticut - Hartford campus focusing on Public Administration and Research Analysis. He recently received his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Urban Studies from UCONN with a focus on affordable housing and law and serves as CHFA's Research and Outreach Intern.