The Estates at 100 Oakland, South Windsor, CT

Summary of Benefits

The Estates at 100 Oakland is a thoughtfully designed 55+ community that balances responsible growth with lasting community value. This project not only meets South Windsor’s pressing need for senior housing but also enhances the natural environment, strengthens the local tax base, and creates meaningful amenities for residents. With restored wetlands, preserved open space, and a walkable neighborhood design, The Estates at 100 Oakland offers both environmental benefits and a welcoming lifestyle for those who wish to remain rooted in the town they love.

Increasing Size and Quality of Wetlands

The project includes wetlands restoration: correcting past damage from agriculture (e.g. earthen fill, stream relocation, damming) and restoring stream and riparian areas.

Though some disturbance is proposed (utility crossings etc.), the plan is shaped to minimize impact on natural wetland areas, preserving most of the ecological function.

By restoring historic stream channels and enhancing corridors, the project aims to improve water flow, wildlife habitat connectivity, and wetland health.

Providing Much‐Needed Housing for Over-55 Adults

Proposed community: 69 owner-occupied, one-story homes (single-family & duplex options), designed for residents aged 55 and over.

The homes include modern amenities: 2+ bedrooms, 2 full baths, attached garages, full basements, whole-home air conditioning, walkable design.

11 of the 69 homes are designated as affordable (for households at or below ~80% of area median income), indistinguishable from the market-rate homes. Helps broaden access.

Financial & Town-Service Positives: Tax Revenue, Lower Impact

Expected significant tax revenue to South Windsor: over $1 million projected, without adding burden to local schools because residents are over 55—no school‐aged children assumed.

Roads will be privately maintained by the Homeowners’ Association, so burden of road maintenance / repair falls on community, not municipal budget.

Also includes gated emergency‐vehicle access that benefits neighborhood, enhancing infrastructure safety.

Why Project Is Important Now

Regulatory environment: Town’s Plan of Conservation & Development (POCD) recently adopted calls for more 55+ housing so residents can downsize yet stay in Town. This project responds directly to that town goal.

Demand is high: shortage of 55+ housing in South Windsor; few resale homes available recently, so many older residents are “stuck” in larger homes or compelled to move elsewhere if they want simpler one-level living.

Changes in zoning have enabled this kind of age‐restricted housing to be permitted again; developers and the town had been constrained previously. So this is an opportunity that fits with current policies.

Community Building Features: Kitchen & Outdoor Grill etc.

The plan includes a community center (common space) to encourage social interaction among residents. Shared amenities help build community spirit.

Outdoor gathering features: planned open areas, possibly grills etc., to support outdoor social gatherings. (While the project overview doesn’t list every amenity in precise detail, the design is for a walkable, communal neighborhood. )

Walking Trails

The plan highlights walkable neighborhood design, with streets, pathways oriented to connectivity. Residents will have easy pedestrian access within the development and to nearby town-center amenities.

Preserved/open space portions support walking paths / natural trails through woods, wetlands, open fields.

12 Acres of Open Space to Walk Through

Of ~32 acres on the site, about 12± acres are preserved in a natural, undeveloped state. These will remain as woodlands, wetlands, open fields for residents and for habitat.

This open space gives a sense of spaciousness, natural beauty, and allows for passive recreation, walking, enjoying the landscape.