The Greater Dwight Development Corporation (GDDC) earlier this week proposed to the New Haven Board of Zoning Appeals to tear down a vacant building on Orchard Street to make way for affordable housing, the New Haven Independent reported.

The replacement building would house nine affordable apartments and office space for the New Haven Firebirds, the local chapter of the International Association of Black Firefighters.

The property at 410 Orchard St. is currently home to a two-story home built in 1850 that has been vacant for years. It was last used by a barbershop on the first floor. The GDDC purchased the property in 2019.

The proposal requires the Board of Zoning Appeals to approve variances for higher density development than is allowed by right. The development is the first phase of a plan to build 25 affordable apartments over the next 10 years in the Dwight neighborhood.