WATERBURY, Conn. -- With so many foreclosures and bad mortgages who would want to build and sell one home, let alone 70?

A Hartford developer has gained approval to build more than 70 homes on a 30-acre site near the Waterbury-Prospect town line.

Though the proposed development hasn’t come without complaints, Waterbury Mayor Michael Jarjura remains optimistic.

“I think people realize we're not going to be in this forever, to get ready for the upswing,” he said.

The project was initially pitched before the housing market tanked, officials said. They were supposed to be $250,000 homes, but the mayor said the city approved the final plan this week because the developer said the houses will be affordable.

The people who already call this area home said they hope the new project doesn't take over the neighborhood.

The developer said the project will be done in phases and is set to begin in the spring.