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An affordable housing development in Hartford has been approved by town planning officials, despite staunch local opposition.

The multifamily building, planned for underused land in a residential neighborhood, would have 40 units, 80 percent of which would be affordable. The proponent is the Fairfield Housing Authority, which bought the 2.48-acre lot in 2018 for $2.1 million.

The project was denied an an inland wetlands permit last year, but the decision is being appealed.

The Connecticut Post reports the Fairfield Planning Board felt it couldn’t meet the burden of proof under the state’s 8-30g affordable housing regulations, which required it find “the decision is necessary to protect substantial public interests in health, safety or other matters which the commission may legally consider.”