2023
Projects

CEDAC provided the Dorchester Bay Economic Development Corporation (DBEDC) with acquisition and predevelopment funding to acquire and develop a formerly underutilized site in Dorchester to construct new affordable supportive housing for low-income seniors – the first of its kind in the Upham Corner neighborhood. The five-story development responds to a need for accessible housing that enables residents to safely age in place by providing 43 units, all equipped with a full kitchen, energy-efficient heat and air conditioning controls, handrails in bathrooms and a 24-hour emergency call as well as resident wellness checks to ensure the safety of the residents. Seniors will also be able to enjoy a multi-purpose room, a bike room, two laundry facilities and a roof terrace, all created to foster a sense of community among residents.

Causeway Development and its community-based joint venture partner, The Neighborhood Developers (TND), developed a vacant and blighted property into much-needed affordable housing in Chelsea. The project serves as a gateway to Chelsea from Revere and provides 38 apartments for families, along with a new, public, pocket park and walking path along the banks of Mill Creek. It is also conveniently situated close to public transit routes, providing residents with easy access to Chelsea’s Commuter Rail Station, the Silver Line into Boston, and the Blue Line into Revere. TND also sought to highlight the project’s unique location – the entrance to Chelsea – by tapping local artist Kyle Browne to oversee the creation of a mural. Browne gathered residents’ input on what Chelsea meant to them through words, images and symbols, to help inform the mural’s design. The final design was completed by artist Anna Dugan, from Salem, MA, and unveiled at the opening of 1005 Broadway in the Spring of 2023.

In 2019, using CEDAC acquisition financing, Valley Community Development (Valley CDC) acquired property to develop more affordable housing options in Amherst to address the growing local housing shortage. With the help of acquisition and predevelopment financing from CEDAC, Valley CDC created a building comprised of 28 sustainable, studio apartments for low-income individuals, including more than a third set aside for those who have recently experienced homelessness. This new housing was completed in September 2023, with residents moving in October 2023.

The Main South Community Development Corporation (CDC) acquired and developed a former, long-neglected industrial site in the city of Worcester with acquisition and predevelopment financing from CEDAC to create a 48-unit mixed-income housing development, with 10 units specifically reserved for families making up to 30% of the AMI. As one of the largest projects developed by Main South CDC, it features six buildings with two- and three-story energy-efficient townhouses arranged around a large central courtyard. The development officially opened in March 2023, bringing much-needed, affordable housing options to the local Worcester community.

Located in Rockport, the Granite Street Crossing project is a revitalized vacant lot developed by Harborlight Homes with the help of acquisition and financing from CEDAC, with all efforts bolstered by strong support from the local community. The development provides families and seniors in the community with quality affordable housing and includes 23 total units for households earning up to 60% AMI. Conveniently located near public transit and downtown Rockport, it allows residents easy access to get to where they need to go.

Located in Lawrence, a city with a rich industrial history that now serves as an important gateway city and home to vibrant Dominican and Puerto Rican communities, the Island Parkside project was developed by Lawrence CommunityWorks (LCW) with the support of predevelopment funding from CEDAC. Repurposing a distressed former industrial site adjacent to the city center, Phase I of the development was completed in late 2023 and provides 40 units of affordable apartment homes for low-income families in the Lawrence community. The project was created to meet the rapidly increasing demand for quality, affordable housing in the city for both individuals and families.

Located in downtown Salem, The Lighthouses is a mixed-use, two-building, development constructed by North Shore Community Development Coalition (North Shore CDC) that will provide 46 units of affordable housing, along with close to 2,000 square feet of commercial space, for local families and individuals. Both buildings are highly energy efficient, designed to ‘passive house’ standards. The development is conveniently situated close to parks, playgrounds and local businesses along Congress Street. Leveraging a predevelopment loan by CEDAC, North Shore CDC worked closely with state and local public officials, including then-Mayor, and now Lieutenant Governor, Kim Driscoll, to help to lead the project into development. The development has been incorporated into the Punto Urban Art Museum, a program of North Shore CDC, with both buildings incorporating murals by world-renowned artists.

Leveraging a predevelopment loan from CEDAC, NeighborWorks Housing Solutions acquired an underutilized commercial site in the town center of Holbrook and developed Maple on Franklin, which provides 72 units of affordable, walkable and energy efficient housing for seniors. The development allows for a communal environment supported by shared spaces such as a library, café area and lounge. With its central location, residents have easy access to the town’s senior center, grocery stores, medical facilities and other services in the downtown area, as well as public transit right outside the front door.

Through a joint venture between the Planning Office for Urban Affairs (POUA) and Caribbean Integration Community Development (CICD), a BIPOC-led CDC, and with a predevelopment loan from CEDAC, a long-vacant site in Mattapan was transformed into 40 units of much-needed mixed-income housing for individuals and families in the community. The development, which includes 12 affordable homeownership units and 28 rental units, is located directly across the street from the Morton Station MBTA Fairmount Line stop and is within walking distance of Mattapan Square and Lower Mills. The new Steven P. Odom Serenity Garden, built in conjunction with the development, offers residents and the community a beautifully designed passive park.

Mission Hill Neighborhood Housing Services leveraged CEDAC predevelopment financing to purchase a vacant and blighted site owned by the MBTA that sits across from the Roxbury Crossing station in the Mission Hill neighborhood of Boston. Completed in Spring 2023, the project provides 46 rental units, all affordable to households with 60% AMI or below, including 12 fully accessible units for persons with disabilities, in a highly transit-oriented location.

In its first development in Everett, The Neighborhood Developers (TND) developed St. Therese, a property for seniors that combines quality affordable housing with easy on-site access to health care and wellness services. Named in honor of the St. Therese Parish that was an important part of the community, the property includes 77 units of affordable housing for seniors aged 62 and older, with 30 units specifically for ELI seniors. The project also features a new health center on the ground floor to serve building residents and senior members of the Everett community. The health center is operated by East Boston Neighborhood Health Center, through its Neighborhood PACE program, and offers seniors comprehensive care and support, including preventive care, specialist visits, prescription drug coverage, and health and wellness programs.

Common Ground Development Corporation (CGDC) developed Tavernier Place in Acton to include 31 affordable one-bedroom apartments for seniors aged 62 or non-elderly disabled individuals. The property offers several features to promote wellness and an enhanced quality of life, including an exercise room, community room and service plan to address the needs of the elderly residents. It was named in honor of long-time Acton resident, Nancy Tavernier, who has spent decades advocating for increased affordable housing opportunities in Acton.

Located in Great Barrington, Windrush Commons was developed by a joint venture between the Community Development Corporation of South Berkshire and Way Finders utilizing a predevelopment loan from CEDAC. With 49 mixed-income units spread over five buildings, the development addresses the growing affordable housing shortage in Western Massachusetts and offers individuals and families access to local transportation, places of employment, stores and services, as well as plenty of outdoor community space.

The innovative Yawkey Housing Resource Center in Quincy, developed by Father Bill’s & MainSpring with the support of a predevelopment loan from CEDAC, provides 100 emergency shelter beds, a day program center, and 30 units of permanent supportive housing for individuals experiencing homelessness. Included in the day program center is a commercial kitchen serving three meals a day, a health clinic, and substantial case management and service space. This multi-use facility serves as a new model for shelter, housing, and services for homeless individuals, all in one location. Here, both shelter guests and residents can access services ranging from medical treatment and mental health counseling to financial coaching and workforce training.