by iwd Tina | May 18, 2023 | Housing News
On May 18, the Healey-Driscoll Administration announced $246 million to build and preserve 1,600 affordable and mixed-income homes. According to the Governor’s press release, the awards will support 27 projects in 20 communities across Massachusetts.
The Administration awarded $105 million in direct subsidies, $60 million from federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding, and $81 million in state and federal tax credits.
Nearly all of the 1,597 homes will be reserved for households with low-incomes, including more than 300 homes for households with extremely low-incomes and families or individuals facing housing instability. Four projects will rehabilitate existing affordable housing.
2023 Affordable Housing Awards
84 Warren Street, Boston
84 Warren Street is a demolition and new construction project located in Roxbury. The sponsor is the non-profit Madison Park Development Corporation. On a prime site near Nubian Square, this family housing project will feature 43 affordable rental units, 22 for sale condominium units, and space for the Urban League of Massachusetts, which has served the Roxbury community for over a century. DHCD will support the project with federal and state low-income housing tax credits, subsidy funds, and ARPA funds. The city of Boston will support the project with funds of its own. In addition, MassHousing will support the ownership component of 84 Warren Street with funds from its Commonwealth Builders program. When completed, the project will include at least 16 rental units reserved for households earning less than 30% of Area Median Income (AMI) and, in some cases, transitioning from homelessness. The project has been designed to meet Passive House certification standards.
2085 Washington Street, Boston
2085 Washington Street is a new construction mixed-use project located in Roxbury. The sponsor is a partnership between Trinity Financial and the non-profit Madison Park Development Corporation. The project will feature 64 affordable rental units as well as 32 mixed-income condominium units and below-grade parking on a site adjacent to the Tropical Foods grocery at the corner of Melnea Cass Boulevard and Washington Street. DHCD will support the project with federal and state low-income housing tax credits, subsidy funds, and ARPA funds. The city of Boston will support the project with significant funds of its own. The completed project will include 16 rental units for households earning less than 30% of AMI and, in some cases, transitioning from homelessness. In addition, MassHousing will support the ownership units with funds from its Commonwealth Builders program. The project has been designed to meet Passive House certification standards.
Columbia Crossing, Boston
Columbia Crossing is a 48-unit new construction and rehabilitation project located in Uphams Corner, across from the historic Strand Theater. The sponsor is a partnership between Dorchester Bay Economic Development Corporation and Preservation of Affordable Housing (POAH). DHCD will support the project with federal and state low-income housing tax credits, subsidy funds, and funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The city of Boston will support the project with funds of its own. When completed, Columbia Crossing will offer 48 affordable units for households whose average income will be less than 60 percent of AMI. At least 10 units will be reserved for families earning less than 30 percent of AMI and, in some cases, transitioning from homelessness. The project has been designed to meet Passive House certification standards.
Columbia Uphams, Boston
Columbia Uphams is a preservation/rehabilitation project located in Dorchester. The nonprofit sponsor is The Affordable Housing and Services Collaborative, Inc. Columbia Uphams consists of two existing occupied projects, Columbia West and Uphams Corner Apartments. The projects will be combined into a single project and rehabilitated. DHCD will support Columbia Uphams with federal and state low-income housing tax credits and subsidy funds. The city of Boston will provide funds of its own to support the project. When completed, the project will include 91 rehabilitated affordable units, including units reserved for special populations. The sponsor will provide support services as needed to project residents. Columbia Uphams has been designed to Enterprise Green Communities standards.
Old Colony Phase 6, Boston
Old Colony Phase 6 is the final phase of the redevelopment of the largescale Old Colony public housing project located in South Boston. The sponsor, Beacon Communities, has worked closely for over a decade with the Boston Housing Authority, the city of Boston, and DHCD on the multi-phased initiative. DHCD will support this phase of the transit-oriented project with federal and state low-income housing tax credits and subsidy funds. The Boston Housing Authority also will support Phase 6. This phase will consist of 89 highly sustainable new construction units designed to meet Passive House certification standards. All 89 units will be affordable to families or individuals, including seniors. At least 13 percent of the units will be reserved for families or individuals earning less than 30% of AMI. Phase 6 also will include space for SPOKE, a community-based arts organization.
Parcel R-1, Boston
Parcel R-1 is a new construction, mixed-use and mixed-tenure project to be constructed on a city-owned parking lot in Boston’s Chinatown neighborhood. The non-profit sponsor is Asian Community Development Corporation. The project will consist of a single 12-story structure housing 66 affordable rental units, 44 affordable condominiums, and a new branch of the Boston Public Library. DHCD will support the rental units in Parcel R1 with federal and state low-income housing tax credits and subsidy funds. The city of Boston also will support the project with significant funds of its own. When completed, the 66 rental units in Parcel R1 will be restricted for households whose average income is below 60 percent of AMI. Fourteen rental units will be further restricted for households earning less than 30 percent of AMI and, in some cases, transitioning from homelessness. This transit-oriented project will incorporate significant elements of green design. The sponsor intends to meet Passive House certification standards.
Talbot Commons II, Boston
Talbot Commons II is a demolition and new construction project located on two sites in Boston’s Codman Square neighborhood. The sponsor is the non-profit Codman Square Neighborhood Development Corporation. DHCD will support the project with federal and state low-income housing tax credits, subsidy funds, and ARPA funds. The city of Boston will support the project with funds of its own. When completed, Talbot Commons II will feature 42 affordable rental units for families, including 11 units for families earning less than 30 percent of AMI and, in some cases, transitioning from homelessness. The project has been designed to meet Passive House certification standards.
Watson Place, Braintree
Watson Place is a new construction project for families to be built in downtown Braintree, .4 miles from the Weymouth Landing MBTA stop. The sponsor is Arch Communities LLC. The project will feature a pedestrian riverwalk, and the town of Braintree will undertake numerous streetscape improvements near Watson Place. DHCD will support the project with federal and state low-income housing tax credits, subsidy funds, and ARPA funds. When completed, this mixed-income project will include 56 total units serving five income bands, including 30 units restricted for families at less than 60 percent of AMI and additional units restricted at 110 precent and 120 percent of AMI. Watson Place also will be supported by the town of Braintree, by a state MassWorks award, and by a Congressional earmark for nearby infrastructure improvements. The project has been designed to meet Enterprise Green Communities standards and Passive House certification standards.
Clifton Place Phase 1, Cambridge
Clifton Place Phase 1 is one phase of the planned three-phase redevelopment of Jefferson Park, a large-scale public housing project located in Cambridge. The sponsor is the Cambridge Housing Authority. DHCD will support Clifton Place with federal low-income housing tax credits and subsidy funds, as well as ARPA funds. The city of Cambridge also will support Clifton Place with funds of its own. When completed, this phase of the overall project will include 87 new construction units. All 87 units will be reserved for households earning less than 60 percent of AMI. At least 13 percent of the units will be further reserved for households earning less than 30 percent of AMI. Clifton Place has been designed to incorporate numerous green features.
Singing Bridge Residences, Chicopee
Singing Bridge Residences is a new construction project to be built in Chicopee on a site bordering the Chicopee River. The sponsor is Brisa Development LLC (Hammad Graham). The sponsor was selected to develop the project, located in a mill overlay district, through a city solicitation process. DHCD will support Singing Bridge Residences with federal and state low-income housing tax credits, subsidy funds, and ARPA funds. The city of Chicopee will provide funds of its own to support the project. When the project is finished, it will offer 105 total new units. Seventy-two units will be reserved for households earning less than 60 percent of AMI, with 16 units further reserved for households earning less than 30 percent of AMI. The project has been designed to incorporate numerous green features, including all-electric heat.
Greenmont Senior Residences, Dracut
Greenmont Senior Residences is a project for seniors to be built in Dracut. The sponsor, the non-profit Common Ground Development Corporation, was selected to develop the project through a town solicitation process. DHCD will support the project with federal and state low-income housing tax credits, subsidy funds, and ARPA funds. The town of Dracut will support the project with funds of its own. When completed, the project will feature 56 affordable units for seniors, including 11 units to be reserved for seniors earning less than 30 percent of AMI. As required by DHCD, the sponsor will provide support services to all new residents of the project. Greenmont Senior Housing has been designed to incorporate features of green and sustainable development.
Meshacket Commons, Edgartown
Meshacket Commons is a new construction project to be built in Edgartown on Martha’s Vineyard. The project sponsor is a partnership between Affirmative Investments and the non-profit Island Housing Trust. The partnership was selected to develop the town-owned site through a 2021 town solicitation process. When completed, Meshacket Commons will offer 36 total units: 32 affordable rental units and four ownership units. DHCD will support the project with federal and state low-income housing tax credits, subsidy funds, and ARPA funds. The town of Edgartown also will provide support to the project. Meshacket Commons was zoned through Chapter 40B. The project has been designed to meet Passive House certification standards.
470 Main Street, Fitchburg
470 Main Street is an existing mixed-use property in downtown Fitchburg. The sponsor is the nonprofit NewVue Communities. During the COVID19 pandemic, the first-floor commercial tenant vacated its 8,000 square foot space, which NewVue now will convert to additional affordable housing units. DHCD will support the project with low-income housing tax credits and subsidy funds. The city of Fitchburg also will provide support to the project. When completed, 470 Main Street will feature 38 total units, with 26 units affordable to households earning less than 60 percent of AMI. Four units will be reserved for households earning less than 30 percent of AMI. The new units to be constructed in the vacant commercial space will include electric heat pumps.
Brushwood Farm, Lenox
Brushwood Farm is a new construction project for families to be built in Lenox. Permitted through Chapter 40B, the project is sponsored by Pennrose LLC. The sponsor has worked closely with the town on the project, which will result in 65 new rental units in a region with great need for more affordable housing. DHCD will support the project with federal and state low-income housing tax credits, subsidy funds, and ARPA funds. The town of Lenox is providing funds of its own to the project. When completed, 50 of the 65 units will be restricted for households earning less than 60 percent of AMI, with nine units further restricted for households earning less than 30 percent of AMI. The project has been designed to meet Passive House certification standards.
733 Broadway, Lowell
733 Broadway is a 52-unit project to be built in Lowell. The sponsor is Boston Capital. While the project primarily will consist of new construction, the sponsor will retain and restore parts of an existing historic façade. DHCD will support the project with federal and state low-income housing tax credits, subsidy funds, and ARPA funds. The city of Lowell also will support the project with funds of its own. When completed, all 52 units will be reserved for households earning less than 60 percent of AMI, with 11 units further reserved for households earning less than 30 percent of AMI and, in some cases, transitioning from homelessness. The project has been designed to meet Passive House certification standards.
Greenstead Grove, Ludlow
Greenstead Grove is a new construction townhomes project to be built in Ludlow. The sponsor is the non-profit Way Finders, Inc. DHCD will support the project with federal and state low-income housing tax credits, subsidy funds, and ARPA funds. When completed, Greenstead Grove will offer 43 affordable units for families, with 16 units reserved for families earning less than 30 percent of AMI and, in some cases, transitioning from homelessness. Permitted through Chapter 40B, the development team included a sustainability consultant, and the project has been designed to feature all-electric heat pumps for heating and cooling, solar arrays on all roofs, and other green features.
West Newton Armory, Newton
West Newton Armory is an adaptive re-use and new construction project located in Newton. The sponsor is a partnership between Civico Development and the non-profit Metro West Community Development. The project includes the adaptation of an existing historic armory as well as the construction of 43 new affordable units. Seven of the affordable units will be reserved for households earning less than 30 percent of AMI. DHCD will support this transit-oriented project with federal and state low-income housing tax credits, subsidy funds, and ARPA funds. The new construction component of the project has been designed to meet Passive House certification standards. The sponsor also intends to install solar photovoltaic panels on the roof.
23 Laurel Street, Northampton
23 Laurel Street is a new construction project to be built in Northampton on city-owned land. The sponsor is the nonprofit Valley Community Development Corporation. DHCD will support this townhouse project for families with federal and state low-income housing tax credits, subsidy funds, and funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). When completed, Laurel Street will offer 20 new units restricted for households earning less than 60 percent of AMI. Twelve units will be further restricted for households earning less than 30 percent of AMI and, in some cases, transitioning from homelessness. The project has been designed to use electric heat and will include solar photovoltaic arrays on the townhouse roofs.
107 Main Street, Orleans
107 Main Street is a new construction project to be built in Orleans. The sponsor, selected through a town solicitation process, is the nonprofit Housing Assistance Corporation. Permitted through Chapter 40B, the project will feature 14 new affordable units for individuals and/or families. DHCD will support the project with subsidy funds and the town of Orleans also will provide significant funds of its own to 107 Main Street. The project has been designed to incorporate numerous green features, including electric heat.
First Street Apartments, Pittsfield
First Street Apartments is an adaptive re-use project located in Pittsfield. The sponsor is the nonprofit Berkshire Housing Development Corporation. The project consists of the adaptive reuse of a Pittsfield church to create nine small affordable studios for homeless individuals. DHCD previously awarded supportive housing funds to the project and now is awarding nine project-based vouchers to First Street. The city of Pittsfield has provided substantial funds to support the project which also has received a $1.25 million award from the Massachusetts Alliance for Supportive Housing (MASH). The sponsor will provide support services to the new tenants and will operate a resource center within the church.
3 Jerome Smith Road, Provincetown
3 Jerome Smith Road is a 65-unit construction project for families to be built in Provincetown. The nonprofit sponsor is The Community Builders. DHCD will support this mixed-income project with federal and state low-income housing tax credits, subsidy funds, and ARPA funds. The town of Provincetown also will provide significant funds in support of the project. Permitted through Chapter 40B, 3 Jerome Smith Road will feature 61 affordable units and four market rate units. The project has been designed to incorporate numerous green development characteristics, including all-electric heating and cooling and solar-ready roofs.
Leefort Terrace, Salem
Leefort Terrace is a demolition and new construction project located in Salem. The sponsor is Beacon Communities working with the Salem Housing Authority. The sponsor will demolish existing obsolete senior housing and construct a new mid-rise building with 124 units for seniors and families. DHCD will support the project with federal and state low-income housing tax credits and subsidy funds. The city of Salem also will provide significant funds of its own – including ARPA funds — to support Leefort Terrace. When completed, the project will include 50 affordable units for seniors and 74 affordable units for families. At least 25 units will be reserved for individuals or families earning less than 30 percent of AMI. The project has been designed to meet Passive House standards and to be certified through Enterprise Green Communities. The sponsor plans to install solar photovoltaic panels on the roof of the new building.
Henry T. Wing School Residences, Sandwich
Henry T. Wing School Residences is the first phase of a three-phase development initiative in Sandwich. The sponsor is Stratford Capital Group (SCG) working with the nonprofit CHOICE Housing Opportunities. The first phase of the project – both adaptive reuse of a historic school and new construction — will result in 38 new affordable units for seniors. DHCD will support the first phase with federal and state low-income housing tax credits and subsidy funds. The town of Sandwich also will support this phase of the project with funds of its own. Of the 38 total units in phase one, 34 will be affordable to seniors earning less than 60 percent of AMI, with eight units further restricted for seniors earning less than 30% of AMI. As required by DHCD, the sponsors — SCG and CHOICE — will provide support services to all new residents of the project. The project has been designed to incorporate numerous green features, including all-electric heating and cooling.
Westminster Senior Residences, Westminster
Westminster Senior Residences is a new construction project to be built in Westminster adjacent to the town’s senior center. The sponsor is Commonwealth Community Developers, LLC. DHCD will support the project with federal and state low-income housing tax credits, subsidy funds, and ARPA. The town of Westminster also will support the project with its own funds. When completed, the project will feature 50 new affordable units for seniors earning less than 60 percent of AMI, with ten units further restricted for seniors earning less than 30 percent of AMI. As required by DHCD, the sponsor will provide support services for the new residents of the project. Westminster Senior Residences will include features of green and sustainable development, including high efficiency, cold climate heat pumps. The sponsor included a sustainability consultant on the development team.
Streeter and Poland, Winchendon
Streeter and Poland is an adaptive re-use and new construction project located in Winchendon. The sponsor is the non-profit Montachusett Veterans Outreach Center (MVOC). With assistance from DHCD and other lenders, MVOC will convert two vacant school buildings into affordable housing units with services for veterans. DHCD will support the project with low-income housing tax credits and subsidy funds. When completed, the project will offer 44 affordable units, with 16 units reserved for veterans earning less than 30 percent of AMI and, in some cases, transitioning from homelessness. The project has been designed to include features of green development.
Curtis Apartments, Worcester
Curtis Apartments Phase 1 is the first of the four-phase redevelopment of a large-scale public housing project in Worcester. The sponsor is Trinity Financial working with the Worcester Housing Authority. The full redevelopment plan consists of the demolition of 372 obsolete units and the new construction of 527 affordable units. Curtis Apartments Phase 1 will include construction of 129 new units in two buildings, with over 80 percent of the units reserved for households earning less than 60 percent of AMI. At least 13 units will be further restricted for households earning less than 30% of AMI. DHCD will support the project with federal and state low-income housing tax credits, subsidy funds, and ARPA. The city of Worcester also will support the project with funds of its own. Curtis Apartments Phase 1 has been designed to meet Passive House certification standards.
Worcester Boys Club, Worcester
Worcester Boys Club is an adaptive re-use and new construction project located in Worcester’s Lincoln Square. The sponsor is WinnDevelopment. The project consists of the adaptive re-use of the historic Worcester Boys Club and the construction of a new building. The existing historic building and the new construction building will be joined by a connector. The project is intended to serve individuals age 55 or over as well as families with at least one member age 55 or over. DHCD will support the project with federal and state low-income housing tax credits, subsidy funds, and ARPA funds. The city of Worcester also will support the project with funds of its own. When completed, the project will offer 80 affordable units reserved for individuals or households who meet the age requirements and earn less than 60 percent of AMI. Twelve units will be further reserved for individuals or households earning less than 30 percent of AMI and, in some cases, transitioning from homelessness. This transit-oriented project will incorporate numerous characteristics of green development, with the new construction building designed to meet Passive House certification standards.
