Streeter to head senior housing team

Less than two weeks after first announcing his proposal to construct senior affordable housing bungalows at the current senior center site on Edgerton Street, Republican First Selectman Dave Campbell has tapped Jenny Streeter to head an exploratory group to examine the idea.

"It's very preliminary," Streeter said. "Basically, I've just had a chance to sit down with Dave and talk through his thoughts of what this could look like."

According to Campbell's plans, which he made public last week, the affordable housing development would boast 20 to 26 800-square-foot bungalows. They would be made available to Darienites on a points system, offering priority levels based on years lived in Darien and income, the first selectman said.

In order to restrict availability to Darienites, the body in charge of the development would have to be unaffiliated with the town, Campbell said.

"It all makes sense, with having Jenny start this," he said. "She'll [eventually] run the non-profit."

From here on out, the first selectman said he is "done with this project. Hands off."

The exploratory group will begin its project with information gathering, Streeter said.

"We'll talk to neighbors, talk to seniors, talk to people who've been involved with affordable housing before," she said. "We're going to gather information and try to listen and learn, and find the best approach to put this together for Darien seniors."

A non-profit, as Campbell has envisioned, is not definite, she said.

"One of the issues we need to explore is what is the most effective way for this group to be structured to oversee this project if, in fact, it comes to fruition," she said. "We need to look at how we should be structured and put together."

While she said there's "nothing concrete" yet about the exploratory group, she's excited to get started.

She previously served the Town of Darien as the vice chairman of the High School Building Committee from 2000 to 2006.

"It was the project that never ended," she said with a laugh. "I really enjoyed the opportunity to do something positive for the town and do something with a great group of people.

Campbell has also announced two other members of the group: Caroline Murray and Bob Calve.

"This will be my first time on a committee similar to this, but I've been a lifelong builder in Darien, and I look forward to giving something back to the town," said Calve, who owns Fox Hill Builders.

Murray declined to comment.

"This new project is an exciting opportunity for the town to accomplish senior affordable housing," Streeter said.

The group has not yet scheduled a meeting, or even decided upon a name, she said.

"I'm excited to schedule a meeting and get started," she said.