Housing in Surprising Places: A Recap of BRI’s March General Membership Meeting
On March 20, 2025, the Building and Realty Institute (BRI) hosted its March General Membership Meeting at the Harrison Meadows Country Club, spotlighting an increasingly relevant topic: “Housing in Surprising Places.” The event brought together industry leaders, developers, and local officials to explore how suburban communities, once resistant to new housing — particularly affordable housing — are rethinking their approach to development.
For decades, conventional wisdom held that suburban towns with excellent schools and convenient Metro North Railroad access were among the toughest places to pursue new multifamily housing projects. However, that narrative is shifting. The meeting dove into two powerful case studies from New Canaan, CT, and Pelham, NY, offering insight into how thoughtful, well-integrated development projects are emerging in traditionally unlikely locations.
Case Study: New Canaan’s Approach to Affordable Housing
David McCarthy, President of Heritage Housing, Inc., and Scott Hobbs, Chairman of the Housing Authority of New Canaan and President of Hobbs, Inc., presented New Canaan’s innovative affordable housing projects, including Canaan Parish and Riverwood. These developments exemplify how affluent communities can embrace inclusionary zoning and public-private partnerships to create affordable housing opportunities while maintaining the character and appeal of the area.
The presentation detailed the financial strategies behind these projects, highlighting a mix of Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC), state tax abatement programs (like New York’s PILOT program), and developer incentives to make housing accessible to families across a range of income levels. Notably, the developments prioritize sustainability, energy efficiency, and a design aesthetic that blends seamlessly into the surrounding neighborhoods.
Case Study: Pelham’s Revitalization Journey
Mayor Chance Mullen of the Village of Pelham shared the inspiring story behind the Pelham House project, a $77 million public-private partnership designed to breathe new life into the village’s struggling downtown. In 2017, Pelham faced a challenging landscape: declining commercial values, fiscal instability, and a downtown dotted with what Mayor Mullen described as “broken teeth” — empty, neglected storefronts undermining the area’s vibrancy.
Fast forward to today, and Pelham has not only stabilized its budget and doubled its reserves but is also on track to expand its housing stock by 8%, adding over $50 million in new value to the community. The revitalization project includes a new municipal center, significant infrastructure improvements, and a focus on creating smaller, more affordable units to mitigate school impacts while meeting the housing needs of seniors, empty nesters, and young professionals.
The BRI’s March meeting provided a forward-thinking look at how suburban housing development is evolving. By showcasing real-world examples and practical strategies, the event empowered attendees to rethink what’s possible in their own communities.
As demand for housing continues to rise, particularly in high-opportunity areas, events like this play a crucial role in fostering collaboration and innovation among builders, policymakers, and community stakeholders. The stories from Pelham and New Canaan are proof that with vision, commitment, and creative problem-solving, housing can indeed happen in surprising places.