Governor Ned Lamont and city officials recently announced a first of its kind partnership to transform the long vacant site of the former Saint Mary’s Grammar School in Waterbury into affordable housing specifically for healthcare workers. The project will create 47 residential units across four buildings, strategically located directly across from Saint Mary’s Hospital and just a short distance from Waterbury Hospital. Mayor Paul Pernerewski emphasized that providing quality housing near medical facilities is essential for attracting and retaining the professionals necessary to keep the local healthcare system functioning.
The development comes with a price tag estimated between 14 million and 15 million dollars, marking the first time the state has tapped into a special fund authorized in 2022 for healthcare worker housing. Connecticut is contributing roughly 11.6 million dollars through various grants and loans, while Ives Bank is adding another 2.2 million dollars to the budget. These units are designed for middle income families earning between 40,000 and 80,000 dollars annually, offering studios, one bedroom, and two bedroom apartments with monthly rents ranging from 1,000 to 1,500 dollars.
While city and state leaders hailed the move as a victory for workforce stability, some labor advocates offered a more critical perspective. Representatives from SEIU 1199NE noted that while affordable housing is helpful, the very necessity of such programs highlights a deeper issue regarding stagnant wages. Union representatives argued that essential healthcare workers should earn enough to live comfortably in their communities without relying on government subsidized housing initiatives.
Despite these concerns, the push for more staff remains urgent as Connecticut continues to struggle with chronic nursing shortages fueled by burnout and retirements since the pandemic. Developer Joe Gramando confirmed that construction is set to begin after Labor Day and should be completed within 18 months. Looking ahead, Gramando already intends to seek further funding to build an additional 50 unit complex on an adjacent lot, potentially doubling the impact of the initial investment.