New Haven Committee Recommends Tax Break for Apartments

The city board proposed a 17-year tax reduction to preserve affordable housing units for elderly and disabled tenants.

Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Commercial

New Haven Committee Recommends Tax Break for Apartments

Live Poll

Should your local government offer tax breaks to owners who provide affordable housing to residents?

The New Haven Board of Alders Tax Abatement Committee voted to recommend a 17-year tax reduction for the seven-unit apartment building at 468 Middletown Ave. The abatement aims to support the continued housing of elderly and disabled tenants who rely on Rental Assistance Program vouchers.

Why it matters

The developer, Michael Puccino, requested the tax relief to maintain affordable housing options for seniors and residents with disabilities as an alternative to nursing home care. This proposal will move to the full Board of Alders for a final vote following the committee's recommendation.

The committee recommended a tax rate of $650 per unit annually for the seven-unit property, totaling $4,550 per year. The building, constructed in 2023, reported a net profit of $39,983.10 and received $129,589 in voucher income during 2025.

The players

Michael Puccino

He is the developer of the 468 Middletown Ave apartment project who sought the tax abatement to support affordable housing for vulnerable residents.

Board of Alders Tax Abatement Committee

This local government body is responsible for reviewing and recommending property tax relief measures to the full New Haven city legislative board.

The details

The property currently serves tenants who utilize the Rental Assistance Program, with vouchers covering the majority of the $1,500 monthly rent per apartment. While the developer anticipates static rental income through 2027, expenses are projected to reduce annual net profits to $35,670.86.

Construction of the apartment building at 468 Middletown Ave was completed in 2023.
Financial data for the property was recorded throughout 2025.
The Tax Abatement Committee voted to recommend the tax reduction on October 27, 2026.
Static rental income for the property is projected through 2027.

Culture Shift

This move mirrors broader efforts to prioritize community-based housing solutions over institutional care for elderly and disabled populations. The project follows a pattern set by properties utilizing the Rental Assistance Program to ensure long-term housing viability for low-income residents.

This tax abatement directly affects the ongoing affordability of local housing for elderly and disabled residents who depend on the site. If approved by the full board, the measure secures long-term residential stability for the seven tenants currently residing at the address.

The takeaway

Tax abatements for small residential properties can play a crucial role in maintaining affordable living arrangements for vulnerable populations. Homeowners and developers may look to these local policy mechanisms to balance operational costs while preserving essential social services.