Town seeks special meeting July 8 to approve Warner Complex lease that would deed-restrict all 30 senior units

First Selectman Mika told the Board of Finance on June 18 that the town is preparing a new lease for the Warner senior complex on Lucy Street that would convert all 30 units to deed-restricted affordable housing and bring more than $2 million in capital improvements if fully executed.

"Part of this deal makes all 30 units deed restricted," Mika said, describing the proposed arrangement with a landlord experienced in senior housing operations. He said the agreement includes a tax-relief arrangement equivalent to roughly 5% of gross rent in lieu of property taxes and that deed-restricting the units would supply points toward a moratorium the town seeks.

Mika said the town will call a special town meeting on July 8 at 7:30 p.m. to consider the lease; the special meeting requires a quorum of 100 qualified residents. He said officials hope to attract the required number so the board of selectmen will not need to exercise decision authority in the absence of quorum. Mika described the proposal as a ‘‘win-win’’ that preserves affordability, offers capital investment to upgrade the property and places the asset under a landlord that specializes in this housing type.

The board discussed next steps and public outreach to ensure resident participation at the July 8 session. The proposal, if approved, would change the status of affordable units at the Warner complex (6 currently deed-restricted) and provide capital funding for needed repairs.