A massing model for a proposed affordable housing development in New Haven. Image courtesy of The Architectural Team

Boston-based affordable housing developer Beacon Communities is asking New Haven officials for tax breaks to support a 79-unit, multi-building project in the city’s downtown.

But first, the company says it needs a property tax break to make the project happen.

The New Haven Independent reports that Beacon is asking for taxes to stay fixed at $400 per unit for 15 years on the project’s 63 affordable units, paying the full tax amount on the remaining 16 market-rate ones.

The request comes, the site reports, after Beacon expanded the project in size. Initially, the development would have been limited to a new structure at 300 State St. housing 48 units, but the company now hopes to revamp four adjoining, existing buildings on Chapel Street to add more units to the $40.3 million project.