A vision for affordable housing in Needham
By Rich Gatto
GateHouse News Service
Posted Jan 23, 2008 @ 03:35 PM
Needham —
GUEST COMMENTARY
With the recent groundbreaking ceremony at High Rock Homes, the long-awaited birth of new housing opportunities in Needham is now upon us. Like expectant mothers and families, we have been preparing for months and waiting, not always patiently, for the day of delivery. This exciting moment represents both the success of a vision for a new way to expand affordable housing opportunities, and a glimpse at what the future might hold for our community.
The new development at High Rock Homes consists of 22 new two-family duplex-style homes to be completed this summer. Of the 40 new living units created, 20 will remain as rentals under the management of the Needham Housing Authority; the other 20 units will be two- and three-bedroom condominiums for sale at below market prices — ranging from $150,000 to $290,000. Families with annual incomes between $40,000-$90,000 will be eligible to buy these homes, and those with Needham connections such as having family, working or going to school here will be among those receiving preference in the lotteries that will be held.
The 20 new homeowners who will be served by this project represent one small slice of those who have contributed much to the town, but who have been priced out during the rapid growth of real estate values during the recent years. Think only of our teachers, firemen, police and public works employees, and you have the idea. Imagine then the seniors and retirees who would like to downsize their living quarters and remain in Needham, or the young singles who have been raised here and are just entering the workforce. Also include those who are living with special needs, who require handicapped-accessible units. As this larger picture of community needs for affordable housing options comes into focus, we realize that the work to achieve real results is just beginning.
The good news is we now have a blueprint for addressing these needs — a program which aims to create housing opportunities consistent with the shared goals and values of our town. Last June, the town adopted the Affordable Housing Plan, which was five years in the making. It includes a menu of actions to be planned and carried out that, in their combined effect, will build community and invigorate the town in ways that will benefit us all. Ideas for creating new affordable housing such as the rezoning of downtown Needham to allow residential units on upper stories, the improvement and expansion of senior apartments at the Linden/Chambers complex, and the use of designated town-owned parcels for appropriate housing development are included in the plan. The preservation of existing units that face potential “expiring use,” such as those at Nehoiden Glen, is equally important. A consistent and collaborative effort will be required from an array of town agencies and citizens to make this plan into reality; in fact, it is just this kind of persistence and cooperation that has led us to the creation of High Rock Homes.
During our 10-year history, Needham Opportunities Inc., has matured from a small group of volunteers with a vision of expanding affordable housing options to a nonprofit housing corporation with staff and some precious funding. As part of our mission “to promote, preserve and develop affordable housing in partnership with the community of Needham,” we are now positioned to assist the town in carrying out the Affordable Housing Plan. Many generous and energetic people have played a part in this growth. We are grateful and encouraged by the breadth and depth of support NOI has received from people of goodwill all throughout the town.
Needham Opportunities Inc., through its Board of Directors, invites all who believe in this community building effort to join with us in a commitment to achieving real results for our working families, our seniors, our young people and those living with special needs. Among all the good reasons to value this work, let us remember the best reason of all: we strive to treat our neighbors as we would like to be treated, and to provide for all the opportunities that we enjoy ourselves.
Rich Gatto is the executive director of the nonprofit housing corporation Needham Opportunities Inc., and a former Needham Housing Authority commissioner. He can be reached at 781-444-0503 or by e-mail at gattoagency@verizon.net.