Construction is expected to begin in a few days on a 55+ senior residence community, north of Foster Farm.

Orchard Pointe, a senior residence community, will be located at 186 Foster St. The building plan cites that the development will have 50 units- 44 single family homes, and 3 duplexes- each ranging from 1550 to 2400 square feet, with amenities such as a community room and pickleball courts.

Fifteen percent of units will be affordable housing units for individuals earning 80% or less of the median income in South Windsor, based on the size of the family, if housing costs less than 30% of their income.

“It helps meet the need for housing for all income levels,” Stephen Wagner, the chairman of South Windsor’s Zoning and Planning Department said. “But it also specifically helps increase the number of units that are affordable within town.”

The development appeals to seniors—especially empty nesters—looking to downsize their homes.

“Our town has insufficient housing to meet the needs of our community, so people are moving out of town,” Wagner said.

Connecticut is facing a housing shortage. Kevin Boynton, the CEO of Boynton Construction, says the development will provide “a needed supply of housing for residents”.

Owner and operator of Foster Farm, South Windsor resident Judy Foster, wishes there was more open space, as they have the farm next door.

“But I don’t think they [the development] are going to be a problem for us,” Foster explained.  However, she acknowledges, “The character of the area will be changed for sure”.