Notice of Scoping for Winward Apartments

Address of possible location: 20 Johnson Street, Bridgeport, CT 06604<

Municipality where proposed action might be located: Bridgeport/Connecticut
 
Project Description:

Windward Development Associates II, LLC (“Windward”), in collaboration with The Housing Authority of the City of Bridgeport (“HACB”) d/b/a Park City Communities (“PCC”), with support from the City of Bridgeport, is spearheading the revitalization of Marina Village. Originally constructed in the 1940s, Marina Village was a 406-unit public housing development spanning 38 buildings in Bridgeport’s South End neighborhood. Over the decades, the property has become run down and obsolete, adversely affecting the surrounding area. This revitalization project aims to replace these blighted structures with safe, sustainable, and resilient housing, addressing the critical shortage of quality affordable housing in Bridgeport.

The proposed Phase II development will transform approximately 1 acre of the larger 16-acre site into a mixed-use, mixed-income community. This phase will include a four-story building featuring approximately 51 affordable housing units in a variety of configurations, including 1- to 3-bedroom flats and townhouses. Designed for energy efficiency and cost-effective construction, the building will provide modern living arrangements with contemporary finishes. Residents will also benefit from access to amenities such as a community health facility operated by Southwest Community Health Center and well-appointed community spaces.

The revitalization project integrates long-term urban planning objectives, including rezoning efforts in collaboration with the City of Bridgeport, to allow for increased density and mixed-use development. This includes the creation of commercial and retail spaces alongside housing for residents at multiple income levels. These efforts are part of a broader master plan aimed at stabilizing the neighborhood and fostering economic growth, attracting future public and private investment.

The overall project will leverage a diverse array of funding sources, including Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTCs) from CHFA, CT DOH Flex funding, HUD support, and other local and state contributions. Additionally, $10 million in HUD Rebuild by Design funds will support the construction of a state-of-the-art resiliency center nearby, providing critical resources such as a food bank and community space. Together, the housing and resiliency center will serve as cornerstones of the community, enhancing safety and quality of life while promoting sustainable development.

By creating a vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive community, the Windward Apartments project will not only address the health and safety concerns of its residents but also catalyze positive change in the South End neighborhood, benefiting the entire Bridgeport community.

Project Phasing Overview:

The Windward redevelopment is being executed in up to five distinct phases:

  • Phase I has been completed and is fully leased. It includes 54 high-quality residential units along with key community amenities such as a medical facility operated by Southwest Community Health Center, leasing offices, a gym, and other shared community rooms designed to support resident wellness and engagement.
  • Phase II is currently in the closing process and pre-construction phase. This phase will deliver 51 affordable units within a single, energy-efficient elevator building. The building will include a mix of 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom units with modern finishes, along with additional resident amenities and programming space.
  • Phase III is in the planning stages and is expected to include 78 residential units across five newly constructed buildings. This phase will continue the master plan’s emphasis on high-quality design and diverse unit configurations.
  • Phase IV will also include 78 units in five buildings, further expanding the community and continuing the site’s transformation into a vibrant, mixed-income neighborhood.
  • Phase V, the final phase, is anticipated to deliver 90 residential units across five buildings, completing the overall redevelopment vision for the Windward site and contributing significantly to the affordable housing stock in Bridgeport.

Project Map: Click here to view a map of the project area. 

Written comments from the public are welcomed and will be accepted until the close of business on: July 17, 2025.

Any person may ask the sponsoring agency to hold a public scoping meeting by sending such a request to the address below. If a public scoping meeting is requested by 25 or more individuals, or by an association that represents 25 or more members, the sponsoring agency shall schedule a public scoping meeting. Such requests must be made by: June 27, 2025.

Written comments and/or requests for a public scoping meeting should be sent to

Name: Mithila Chakraborty, Ph.D.

Agency: Department of Housing

Address: 505 Hudson Street, Hartford, CT  06106-7106

E-Mail: mithila.chakraborty@ct.gov

Inquiries and requests to view and or copy documents, pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act, must be submitted to the sponsoring state agency:

Name: Mithila Chakraborty, Ph.D.

Agency: Department of Housing

Address: 505 Hudson Street, Hartford, CT  06106-7106

E-Mail: mithila.chakraborty@ct.gov

What Happens Next: The sponsoring agency will make a determination whether to proceed with preparation of an Environmental Impact Evaluation (EIE) or that the project does not require the preparation of an EIE under the Connecticut Environmental Policy Act (CEPA). A Post-Scoping Notice of its decision will appear in a future edition of the Environmental Monitor.