Category: Housing

Baker-Polito Administration Files New Housing Legislation to Increase Housing Production in Massachusetts

Today, Governor Charlie Baker filed legislation to further the administration’s Housing Choice Initiative, a bold plan to support the production of 135,000 new housing units by 2025. This bill builds on efforts undertaken last legislative session to deliver necessary, targeted zoning reform to benefit communities pursuing new housing production.

The Baker-Polito Administration developed the Housing Choice Initiative to offer a combination of incentives, technical assistance and new capital grant funding to facilitate community-led housing production across the Commonwealth. This diverse set of tools for communities is intended to create the conditions for sustainable housing development that meets the needs of current and future residents.

“Today, we have more people working in Massachusetts than at any time in our Commonwealth’s history, and the need for substantially increased housing production –for residents across the income spectrum – is necessary to match Massachusetts’ booming economic growth,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “This legislation is critical, will unlock the potential of our cities and towns committed to responsible growth, development and enacting best practices in sustainable housing production and we are committed to working with stakeholders and our partners in the legislature to make it a reality.”

“The Commonwealth’s cities and towns are eager to meet the needs of their residents and we are thrilled that 69 communities have already received a Housing Choice Community designation, showing their commitment to housing production,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “This legislation is the next step in fulfilling our commitment to Massachusetts residents, creating the conditions for all of our families and individuals to live, work, and thrive across the state.”

When the Baker-Polito Administration first unveiled the Housing Choice Initiative in 2017, in addition to the changes proposed through legislation, the comprehensive initiative also created a new system of incentives and rewards for municipalities to deliver sustainable housing growth by designating communities that are producing new housing units and have adopted best practices with a new “Housing Choice Communities.” It also created a new technical assistance toolbox empowering cities and towns to plan for new housing production.

Since the Housing Choice Initiative program’s inception, the Baker-Polito Administration has awarded $5 million in capital funding to 31 communities, and with its partnership with MassHousing, 14 communities have received technical assistance to advance the production of more than 4,000 new housing units.

The bill filed by the Governor today mirrors the legislation filed by the Governor in the last legislative session and includes changes made by the legislature in House Bill 4290 An Act to Promote Housing Choices.

This proposal will enable cities and towns to adopt certain zoning best practices related to housing development by a simple majority vote, rather than the current two-thirds supermajority. This legislation will not mandate cities and towns to make any of these zoning changes; but will allow municipalities that want to rezone for denser, transit or downtown oriented, and new housing development to do so more easily.

Zoning changes that promote best practices for housing growth that would qualify for the simple majority threshold include:

  • Building mixed-use, multi-family, and starter homes, and adopting 40R “Smart Growth” zoning in town centers and near transit.
  • Allowing the development of accessory dwelling units, or “in-law” apartments.
  • Approving Smart Growth or Starter Homes districts that put housing near existing activity centers.
  • Granting increased density through a special permit process.
  • Allowing for the transfer of development rights and enacting natural resource protection zoning.
  • Reducing parking requirements and dimensional requirements, such as minimum lot sizes.

This legislation also includes a provision, added by the Joint Committee on Housing, that would reduce the voting threshold for a special permit issued by a local permit granting authority to a simple majority vote, for certain multi-family or mixed-use projects with at least 10% affordable units in locations near transit or, in centers of commercial activity within a municipality.

Massachusetts is currently one of only a few states to require a supermajority to change local zoning.

“We have an incredible economy here in Massachusetts, capitalizing on our talented workforce, thriving innovation ecosystem,” said Housing and Economic Development Secretary Mike Kennealy. “Attracting and retaining talent – including the Commonwealth’s newly graduated students, young families and workforce – continues to be a paramount concern. This legislation is an important step in ensuring Massachusetts cities and towns can create welcoming communities that leverage their existing assets, like thriving downtowns and vital transportation hubs.”

“Since launching our Housing Choice Initiative, we have provided technical assistance and access to new capital grant funding to numerous communities committed to housing production,” said Housing and Community Development Undersecretary Janelle Chan. “This legislation is a necessary component to our overall effort to encourage and support municipalities and, together, pro-actively move high-quality projects forward to address our current and growing need for new housing in Massachusetts.”

“There is perhaps no more critical issue impacting Massachusetts’ cities and towns today than the issue of housing. Like many communities in Greater Boston, Salem is witnessing a sharp decline in the affordability and availability of housing for people who live and work here. We are fortunate to have a city that has a rich mix of people from different backgrounds, income levels, cultures, and more. That diversity contributes to the character of our community in a meaningful way and is a part of our nearly 400 year old history. However, the current housing crisis is threatening that character as, too often, the many faces of Salem – seniors on fixed incomes, working families, young adults – all are finding our city increasingly unaffordable. We want Salem to continue to be a place that people of all means can call home. While we are pushing for policies and investments on the local level to address this growing challenge, we need a strong partnership with state leaders to advance legislation, including Housing Choice, that can make these reforms possible in the first place. I am proud to stand with Governor Baker and other advocates for sensible, compassionate housing policy, to ensure that Salem can be home for anyone,” said Salem Mayor Kim Driscoll.

“Easthampton’s designation as a Housing Choice community gave our city access to multiple tools that unlocked long standing impediments to growing our housing stock and encouraging mixed – use development.  This designation allowed our city to vertically stack grants and economic incitements.  Our ability to leverage public dollars to attract private investment makes tangible the vital connection between housing, jobs and sustainable smart growth,” said Easthampton Mayor Nicole LaChapelle.

“Creating more housing choices requires local communities across the Commonwealth to be creative and adaptable.  It also requires an approach that’s appropriate for each individual community. That’s what makes the Housing Choice Initiative such a great approach.  It gives every community new tools, from grant opportunities to technical assistance to best practices, that allows each to craft plans that make sense locally while at the same time helping address the overall housing challenge,” said Cohasset Town Manager Christopher Senior.

“This important legislation will provide communities with vital tools and authority to address our housing production needs,” said Massachusetts Municipal Association Executive Director Geoff Beckwith. “We applaud the Baker-Polito Administration for recognizing that true progress in making housing more affordable can only be achieved when the state and cities and towns work together as partners.  This bill embraces that partnership, and the MMA looks forward to working with all coalition partners to bring meaningful zoning reform that respects local decision-making across the finish line.”

“We can’t confront our housing and climate crises without local zoning changes, so we hope to see the Legislature fast-track this bill in 2019,” said André Leroux, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Smart Growth Alliance. “Thanks to the Governor’s support and the work of the Joint Committee on Housing, it also includes a key reform to encourage developers to build more of the affordable homes that our state desperately needs.”

“Housing Choice needs to pass, preferably over the next few months, before town meetings start in the spring,” said Marc Draisen, Executive Director of the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC). “The bill would really help cities and towns to amend zoning and issue permits that will boost housing production. The legislation was thoroughly vetted in the last session, so MAPC hopes it can pass quickly this time around.”

“Passage of the Housing Choices Bill is our top priority,” said Hunter Marosits, Vice-President of H and R Homes Remodeling, Inc. in Wilbraham and President of the Home Builders and Remodelers Association of Massachusetts. “Making it easier for communities to adopt zoning for housing will benefit young couples seeking to buy their first home, growing families looking to trade up, and downsizing baby boomers wishing to live near their children and grandchildren.”

“The Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce applauds Governor Baker for his continued focus on remedying the Commonwealth’s housing shortage, and we are pleased to see the Administration’s Housing Choice bill back on the legislative track,” said James E. Rooney, President and CEO of the GBCC. “The rising cost of living in Greater Boston is a critical issue impacting our regional and economic competitiveness. Governor Baker’s proposal would take meaningful steps forward by increasing workforce housing development and rewarding that development with potential transportation investments, two initiatives that are strongly supported by the business community. We are eager to see this bill advance, and quickly.”

“The state’s housing crunch is not just a Boston problem, but also a suburban problem. The legislation will help communities allow the type of housing in the right area that helps promote community stability and economic growth. It is as much an economic development bill as it is a housing bill,” said Peter Forman, President & CEO of the South Shore Chamber of Commerce.

“We know the vast majority of people age 50 and older want to stay in their homes and communities for as long as possible.  With the Housing Choice bill, Governor Baker is again taking steps to help Massachusetts residents age in place. This bill allows for the development of new housing models, promotes accessory dwellings, and encourages construction in areas and neighborhoods that have accessible resources,” said Mike Festa, State Director of AARP Massachusetts.

The Baker-Polito Administration has shown a deep commitment to increasing the production of housing across income levels. Since 2015, the administration has invested more than $1 billion in affordable housing, resulting in the production and preservation of more than 17,000 housing units, including 15,000 affordable units. In 2018, Governor Baker signed the largest housing bond bill in Massachusetts history, committing more than $1.8 billion to the future of affordable housing production and preservation. The Baker-Polito Administration has also advanced the development of more than 7,000 mixed-income housing units through the successful MassWorks Infrastructure Program, reformed the Housing Development Incentive Program, and worked with communities to implement smart-growth development and planning efforts.

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SourceOffice of Governor Charlie Baker and Lt. Governor Karyn Polito

Designing Home & Hope: Pairing Housing and Early Childhood Education Facilities — Case Studies from Boston and Seattle

Theresa Jordan, Director of Children’s Facilities Finance of CEDAC’s affiliate Children’s Investment Fund, was pleased to be a panelist for the Enterprise Community Partners webinar in February entitled “Designing Home & Hope: Pairing Housing and Early Childhood Education Facilities — Case Studies from Boston and Seattle.” Enterprise published the Home & Hope report in 2018 to document the development process and considerations for co-locating housing and early education and care. Over 70 participants from across the country joined the webinar.

Check out the recorded webinar online.

»

SourceEnterprise Community Partners

SJC Homeowner’s Rehab Case has Significant Implications for Tax Credit Developers and Syndicators

Mayor Martin J. Walsh together with LIHC Investment Group, one the nation’s largest investors in affordable housing, the Boston Housing Authority, Mass Alliance of HUD Tenants (MAHT), and Greater Boston Legal Services (GBLS), today announced HUD approval of a creative plan to keep Concord Houses in the South End affordable for at least the next 40 years, with the support of the building’s tenants.

“As we build more affordable housing, it is critical that we do not lose sight of the need to preserve Boston’s inventory of income-restricted housing,” said Mayor Martin J. Walsh. “This agreement marks a positive resolution reached to keep these residents in their homes for decades to come. I thank all the residents for their advocacy, and all partners involved who helped ensure the long-term affordability and viability of the Concord Houses.”

“This agreement is the culmination of a multi-year effort to establish a new HUD program that will protect current and future residents of Concord Houses while providing funds for repairs and upgrades throughout the property,” said Charlie Gendron, Principal, LIHC Investment Group. “We appreciate the support we received from the tenants; Congress, especially the efforts of Sen. Susan Collins; HUD; the City of Boston; BHA; MAHT; and GBLS in our drive to preserve this property for future generations.”

Spanning two buildings located at 705-715 Tremont Street in the heart of the South End, Concord Houses has served as an important source of income-restricted housing in the South End for decades. In 2017, the HUD subsidy provisions governing the property expired, putting it at risk of losing its long-term affordability.

Of the 181 households at Concord Houses, 171-or 95 percent of households-chose to sign a waiver to convert their Enhanced Vouchers (EVs) to a new project-based rental assistance (PBRA) contract to make the plan work. The new HUD contract ensures homes at Concord Houses will be reserved for individuals earning no more than 80 percent area median income (AMI) and is renewable for a total of 40 years.

The agreement also guarantees that current and future tenants pay no more than 30 percent of their income toward rent, which will actually reduce the rent burden for 30 existing households at the property. The remaining ten households will receive rent protections in the form of EVs administered by BHA.

“Preserving units of affordable housing like those at Concord House is a key element of Boston’s housing strategy,” said Roger Herzog, Executive Director of the Community Economic Development Assistance Corporation (CEDAC), which works closely with DND on preservation issues and provided technical assistance in this case. “Congratulations to the City of Boston, the project residents, and LIHC Investment Group, and their partners, for thinking creatively to find a way to keep Concord House affordable for individuals and families in the South End.”

“It’s a dream to secure permanently affordable housing here — not just for ourselves, but other people who will be here long after we’re gone,” said Pauline Durant, 85, a 20-year resident of Concord Houses and member of the Concord Houses Tenants Association. “It’s been a long journey. When tenants stay together and fight, we win!”

“We’re very elated by this victory,” added Adella Quinn, 76, a retiree from Fidelity Investments and 24-year resident of Concord Houses. “We’re losing too many people in the South End who are assets to the neighborhood due to rising rents. We need to come up with more ways like this to keep our community affordable.”

“This is an historic victory,” commented Michael Kane, Director of MAHT, which helped the tenants organize. Since 1983, MAHT has saved more than 12,450 homes like Concord Houses as affordable housing, one building at a time, through tenant organizing. “Saving affordable housing in the heart of the South End will help maintain the neighborhood’s racial and economic diversity well into the future. The 171 tenants who signed up to preserve their apartments are to be commended for making this possible.” Kane also lauded LIHC and the City of Boston for supporting the tenants’ preservation plan and working creatively with Congress and HUD to make it work.

Attorneys for GBLS, Susan Hegel and Ann Jochnick, said they are pleased with the creative and collaborative process, which resulted in preserving much-needed affordable housing in the South End. “It’s a win for current and future tenants, a win for the city and a win for the owner.  We hope that this may serve as a model for future preservation efforts.”

LIHC Investment Group is undertaking a $7 million repair and capital improvement campaign at the property, which includes a new entry system and security cameras; flooring and ceiling replacement; lighting upgrades in the building’s common areas; and exterior work ranging from masonry repair to new fencing and landscaping. Under LIHC’s ownership, apartments in the building have already received new kitchen cabinets, granite countertops and appliances; upgraded bathroom fixtures, tubs, and tiles; and vinyl plank flooring.

About the City of Boston’s Housing Agenda

In 2018, Mayor Martin J. Walsh updated his comprehensive housing strategy, Housing A Changing City: Boston 2030 to increase the City’s overall housing goal from 53,000 to 69,000 new units by 2030, including 15,820 new income-restricted units, to meet Boston’s population growth. In addition, the updated plan also set a goal to preserve 85 percent of Boston’s most at-risk privately-owned affordable units, like those at Concord House. Mayor Walsh’s recently announced housing security legislative package focuses on expanding upon the work that Boston has done to address the region’s affordable housing crisis by proposing new and strengthening current tools to create more ways to leverage Boston’s prosperity and create sustainable wealth opportunities that make Boston a more inclusive and equitable city. The housing security bills proposed for the 2019 Legislature seek to help existing tenants like those at Concord House, particularly the elderly, remain in their homes, and creates additional funding for affordable housing.

About LIHC Investment Group

Based in Portland, Maine, LIHC Investment Group has been active in the Greater Boston housing market for over two decades. In July 2017, the company donated its ownership stake in the Close Building, a 61-unit affordable housing community in Cambridge, ­to the nonprofit Just-A-Start Corporation, which develops, own and maintains affordable housing; provides housing resources and services; and offers education and workforce training for youth and adults in Boston. In August 2017, LIHC and Weston Associates forged an agreement to keep 380 homes at Shore Plaza Apartments in East Boston affordable and have since completed a major capital repair campaign for the property.

SourcePreservation of Affordable Housing

Landmark Agreement Reached to Preserve Affordable Housing in the South End

Mayor Martin J. Walsh together with LIHC Investment Group, one the nation’s largest investors in affordable housing, the Boston Housing Authority, Mass Alliance of HUD Tenants (MAHT), and Greater Boston Legal Services (GBLS), today announced HUD approval of a creative plan to keep Concord Houses in the South End affordable for at least the next 40 years, with the support of the building’s tenants.

“As we build more affordable housing, it is critical that we do not lose sight of the need to preserve Boston’s inventory of income-restricted housing,” said Mayor Martin J. Walsh. “This agreement marks a positive resolution reached to keep these residents in their homes for decades to come. I thank all the residents for their advocacy, and all partners involved who helped ensure the long-term affordability and viability of the Concord Houses.”

“This agreement is the culmination of a multi-year effort to establish a new HUD program that will protect current and future residents of Concord Houses while providing funds for repairs and upgrades throughout the property,” said Charlie Gendron, Principal, LIHC Investment Group. “We appreciate the support we received from the tenants; Congress, especially the efforts of Sen. Susan Collins; HUD; the City of Boston; BHA; MAHT; and GBLS in our drive to preserve this property for future generations.”

Spanning two buildings located at 705-715 Tremont Street in the heart of the South End, Concord Houses has served as an important source of income-restricted housing in the South End for decades. In 2017, the HUD subsidy provisions governing the property expired, putting it at risk of losing its long-term affordability.

Of the 181 households at Concord Houses, 171-or 95 percent of households-chose to sign a waiver to convert their Enhanced Vouchers (EVs) to a new project-based rental assistance (PBRA) contract to make the plan work. The new HUD contract ensures homes at Concord Houses will be reserved for individuals earning no more than 80 percent area median income (AMI) and is renewable for a total of 40 years.

The agreement also guarantees that current and future tenants pay no more than 30 percent of their income toward rent, which will actually reduce the rent burden for 30 existing households at the property. The remaining ten households will receive rent protections in the form of EVs administered by BHA.

“Preserving units of affordable housing like those at Concord House is a key element of Boston’s housing strategy,” said Roger Herzog, Executive Director of the Community Economic Development Assistance Corporation (CEDAC), which works closely with DND on preservation issues and provided technical assistance in this case. “Congratulations to the City of Boston, the project residents, and LIHC Investment Group, and their partners, for thinking creatively to find a way to keep Concord House affordable for individuals and families in the South End.”

“It’s a dream to secure permanently affordable housing here — not just for ourselves, but other people who will be here long after we’re gone,” said Pauline Durant, 85, a 20-year resident of Concord Houses and member of the Concord Houses Tenants Association. “It’s been a long journey. When tenants stay together and fight, we win!”

“We’re very elated by this victory,” added Adella Quinn, 76, a retiree from Fidelity Investments and 24-year resident of Concord Houses. “We’re losing too many people in the South End who are assets to the neighborhood due to rising rents. We need to come up with more ways like this to keep our community affordable.”

“This is an historic victory,” commented Michael Kane, Director of MAHT, which helped the tenants organize. Since 1983, MAHT has saved more than 12,450 homes like Concord Houses as affordable housing, one building at a time, through tenant organizing. “Saving affordable housing in the heart of the South End will help maintain the neighborhood’s racial and economic diversity well into the future. The 171 tenants who signed up to preserve their apartments are to be commended for making this possible.” Kane also lauded LIHC and the City of Boston for supporting the tenants’ preservation plan and working creatively with Congress and HUD to make it work.

Attorneys for GBLS, Susan Hegel and Ann Jochnick, said they are pleased with the creative and collaborative process, which resulted in preserving much-needed affordable housing in the South End. “It’s a win for current and future tenants, a win for the city and a win for the owner.  We hope that this may serve as a model for future preservation efforts.”

LIHC Investment Group is undertaking a $7 million repair and capital improvement campaign at the property, which includes a new entry system and security cameras; flooring and ceiling replacement; lighting upgrades in the building’s common areas; and exterior work ranging from masonry repair to new fencing and landscaping. Under LIHC’s ownership, apartments in the building have already received new kitchen cabinets, granite countertops and appliances; upgraded bathroom fixtures, tubs, and tiles; and vinyl plank flooring.

About the City of Boston’s Housing Agenda

In 2018, Mayor Martin J. Walsh updated his comprehensive housing strategy, Housing A Changing City: Boston 2030 to increase the City’s overall housing goal from 53,000 to 69,000 new units by 2030, including 15,820 new income-restricted units, to meet Boston’s population growth. In addition, the updated plan also set a goal to preserve 85 percent of Boston’s most at-risk privately-owned affordable units, like those at Concord House. Mayor Walsh’s recently announced housing security legislative package focuses on expanding upon the work that Boston has done to address the region’s affordable housing crisis by proposing new and strengthening current tools to create more ways to leverage Boston’s prosperity and create sustainable wealth opportunities that make Boston a more inclusive and equitable city. The housing security bills proposed for the 2019 Legislature seek to help existing tenants like those at Concord House, particularly the elderly, remain in their homes, and creates additional funding for affordable housing.

About LIHC Investment Group

Based in Portland, Maine, LIHC Investment Group has been active in the Greater Boston housing market for over two decades. In July 2017, the company donated its ownership stake in the Close Building, a 61-unit affordable housing community in Cambridge, ­to the nonprofit Just-A-Start Corporation, which develops, own and maintains affordable housing; provides housing resources and services; and offers education and workforce training for youth and adults in Boston. In August 2017, LIHC and Weston Associates forged an agreement to keep 380 homes at Shore Plaza Apartments in East Boston affordable and have since completed a major capital repair campaign for the property.

SourceMayor's Office

MHP, CEDAC kick off 2nd Worcester CDC series

A second series of workshops aimed at helping Worcester’s community development organizations (CDCs) build capacity began this week with a session on fundraising.

Held on January 9 at the Worcester Clean Tech Incubator, the event featured presentations by fundraising consultant Sarah Tanner and John Fitterer of the Massachusetts Association of Community Development Corporations. Fitterer talked about how CDCs have raised funds through the state’s Community Investment Tax Credit Program.

The event was attended by board and/or staff members from the Oak Hill CDC, the East Side CDC, Main South CDC, Worcester Common Ground and Centro Inc.

Sponsored by the Massachusetts Housing Partnership, the Community Economic Development Assistance Corporation (CEDAC) and Clark University, the 2019 training series is planning future sessions on public health and housing, board development and training, collaboration and partnership models and taxes.

In 2018, CEDAC, MHP and Clark hosted two-hour workshops on financial reporting, board development, asset management and collaboration.

The January 9 session on fundraising was preceded by a dinner and networking event hosted by Lionel Romaine of CEDAC, Kate Bosse of MHP and Kathyrn Madden, an urban planner and visiting lecturer at Clark University who has over 25 years of experience helping cities and institutions shape their future development.

The CDC workshop series builds upon CEDAC and MHP’s longstanding support of Worcester CDCs and neighborhoods. MHP efforts include supporting rental development and homeownership efforts of Worcester Common Ground, the Main South CDC and in the Bell Hill-East Side neighborhood in collaboration with the East Side CDC and UMass Memorial Hospital.

In all cases, MHP used its ability to bring in private financing to support community reinvestment through its bank-funded loan pool and its ONE Mortgage Program for low- and moderate-income first-time buyers. MHP has used its bank-funded loan pool to provide $16.9 million in loans and commitments for the financing of 32 rental projects and 521 apartments, 367 of them affordable. MHP’s ONE Mortgage Program has helped 816 low- and-moderate-income households in Worcester purchase their first home, generating $125.6 million in private mortgage financing from participating banks. About 69 percent of those buyers had incomes below 80 percent of area median income.

For more information about this program and MHP’s community assistance work with CDCs, contact Katie Bosse at kbosse@mhp.net or 617-330-9944 x128.

SourceMHP News

Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker, Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito ‘Focus on Housing’ during Holyoke visit

Gov. Charlie Baker and Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito stressed a “Focus on Housing” in Massachusetts during a tour Friday of Lyman Terrace, a 167-unit complex undergoing a $60 million transformation.

Baker and Polito crossed the state a day after the start of their second term in office. Baker and his team made stops in Lee, Springfield, Worcester and the one-hour appearance in Holyoke.

Lyman Terrace, built as Depression era housing in 1939, nearly faced the wrecking ball only a few years back. Tenants, local groups and city government opposed the demolition scheme, favoring a wholesale renovation of the then cramped, below standard apartments.

The Holyoke Housing Authority owns and operates Lyman Terrace, located a short walk from City Hall.

Baker said the state continues to fall short in meeting future housing needs. He visited Lyman Terrace in the summer of 2015. “The road and the journey to get to this point is a long and difficult one,” he said.

The governor said the project experienced “fits and starts,” delays and rejiggering the final vision for Lyman Terrace. “We don’t invest in things we don’t think are going to be successful,” he said.

Baker said his administration examines a project’s worthiness, the team in place and if there is widespread support. “I don’t want to make empty promises. I don’t want us to engage in commitments we can’t deliver on,” he said.

He wants to ensure projects like Lyman Terrace are fully funded and ready to commence.

“This was an important stop for the both of us,” Baker said. “It reflects a lot of key issues and opportunities associated with not only the way we think about housing but the way we think about community building, community development, and partnerships and possibilities.”

Baker called for passage of a new housing bill in the current term. “We in Massachusetts struggle to build housing. We just do,” he said. “Some of it’s the way the game is played. Some of it’s the way the rules are set up. Some of it’s we don’t appreciate the holistic issues that are at play here.”

The governor wants more cooperation in meeting the housing needs for future generations. “If we don’t, the supply we have is never going make it,” he said.

Polito wanted to highlight the impacts housing and economic and community development have on a community. She said the city partnered with state agencies and local nonprofits to make the Lyman Terrace renovations possible.

Matthew A. Mainville, the Holyoke Housing Authority executive director, led Baker, Polito and state housing officials on the tour, which included viewing a pre-renovated unit in need of serious repair and a newly renovated apartment occupied by Sonia Gonzalez, a longtime resident who led the effort to save Lyman Terrace.

Mainville said 88 of the 167 one-and-two bedrooms apartments are reoccupied. The apartments contain new kitchen appliances, wood-laminated floors, washers and dryers, updated bathrooms, energy-efficient windows and more secure doors.

A series of federal and state housing grants and tax credits support the project, including grants from MassWorks. The housing authority obtained an additional $20 million in funding to build a community center at Lyman Terrace.

Mainville said the administration is a model for bipartisan cooperation, which their “federal counterparts could learn from.” He said the Baker-Polito Administration identifies critical issues germane to Massachusetts, such as housing, education, and economic development

“The Baker-Polito Administration understands that without good housing, achieving one’s goals becomes infinitely more difficult,” Mainville said. Without good housing, succeeding in school, living a healthy lifestyle or obtaining gainful employment is nearly impossible.”

In 2018, the Baker Administration pushed and secured a $1.8 billion affordable housing bond, the largest in the commonwealth’s history. The state allocated $600 million for public housing modernization and redevelopment, which included a boost in housing subsidies.

Mainville said Lyman Terrace represents the positive effect such funding has on a community. He said the complex now offers stable housing for residents.

The Holyoke Housing Authority partnered with Community Builders, a Northampton nonprofit, on the Lyman Terrace project.

Housing authority commissioners, state Rep. Aaron Vega, D-Holyoke, and Marcos Marrero, the director of the Holyoke Economic and Planning Department, were in attendance.

SourceMassLive

New housing opens in Hyde Park, Affordable development is first in 20 yrs

It took the Southwest Boston Community Development Corporation more than 20 years to see its 27-unit all-affordable housing building through to completion, so when Mayor Martin Walsh and leadership from the organization cut the ribbon on the development last Thursday, it was a big deal.

The Residences at Fairmount Station is a $12 million four-story building nestled between the Fairmount Station commuter rail stop and Fairmount Avenue, with 24 of its units affordable to families earning 60 percent of the area median income or below. The building contains a mixture of studios, one-, two- and three-bedroom units.

The development faced fierce pushback from Hyde Park residents when it was first proposed during the late 1990s, said SBCDC board member Diana Kelley.

“The community voted it down,” she said.

Then-Mayor Thomas Menino’s administration did not push for the development, which the CDC had originally proposed for another site, but instead steered the project to the Fairmount site, at that time a collection of dilapidated industrial buildings. That move kicked off a nearly-10-year process during which the CDC pieced together the parcel of land from private owners and the MBTA, while at the same time negotiating with neighbors over issues including the size of the building and the amount of parking.

“I don’t know that you can build affordable housing in any neighborhood and not encounter some opposition,” Kelley said. “What’s important is that we were able to get some compromises.”

Among the compromises, plans were altered to include three units available for families earning up to 70 percent of the area median income, up from 60 percent. A playground that abutters felt was too close to the MBTA tracks was moved to the opposite side of the building.

The end result is a building affordable to households earning $21,000 to $58,000, said SBCDC Board President Mimi Turchinetz, addressing elected officials and neighborhood residents gathered for the ribbon cutting Thursday.

“The units are affordable to the majority of residents of Hyde Park,” she noted.

Demand for the units is substantial, with more than 2,700 applications submitted for the 27 available units.

“The need for affordable housing that’s kid-friendly is enormous,” Turchinetz said.

Mayor Martin Walsh said the building fits into the city’s goals to increase the amount of affordable housing available as rents increase in neighborhoods along the Fairmount Line Corridor — the commuter rail line that cuts through Hyde Park, Mattapan, Dorchester and Roxbury, with new stops in many of those neighborhoods.

Walsh administration officials hope the transit line will spur new economic development in the southwestern part of the city.

“We want inclusive development,” Walsh said. “We want transit-oriented development. We want development without displacement.”

Walsh said the new building would also support businesses in the Cleary Square commercial district in Hyde Park.

“You can’t have a thriving business district if you don’t have people there,” he said.

The affordable development was made possible in part by a City of Boston contribution of more than $1.7 million. This contribution enabled the development team to take advantage of more than $2.5 million from the state’s Department of Housing and Community Development. The state also provided an allocation of almost $1.5 million in federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits that helped raise over $4.7 million in equity from National Equity Fund, the equity investor in the project. Webster Bank provided a construction loan, with MassHousing providing long-term permanent financing. The Community Economic Development Assistance Corporation and the Equitable Transit-Oriented Development Accelerator Fund at LISC Boston provided critical pre-development and acquisition funding to secure the site.

SourceBay State Banner

Mayor Walsh, Southwest Boston Community Development Corporation, Traggorth Companies and residents celebrate opening of the Residences at Fairmount Station

Mayor Martin J. Wash today joined Southwest Boston Community Development Corporation, Traggorth Companies, elected officials and residents to celebrate the grand opening of The Residences at Fairmount Station. This once vacant property is now a transit-oriented residential development that offers 27 rental units, including 24 affordable units. The project is part of a larger City effort to prioritize affordable development along the Fairmont Corridor, one of the action areas outlined in Imagine Boston 2030 with the goal of expanding opportunities and reducing disparities for residents in the area.

“Today we celebrate a milestone in our efforts to create more affordable housing by officially opening The Residences at Fairmount Station, which sets the standard for all transit-oriented development in the city,” said Mayor Walsh. “I’m proud that with our partners we were able to create 27 rental homes for Boston’s working families. This new development will continue to keep Hyde Park a strong and vibrant neighborhood for generations to come.”  

The $12 million four-story building features a combination of studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom units. Out of the 27 rental units, 24 are affordable to households at or below 60 percent of Area Median Income (AMI), which is around $51,000 for a two-income household. The remaining three units are designated for households at or below 70 percent AMI, or around $60,000 for a two-income household. The development also offers 6,000 square feet of green space and play space, a public community room, and parking spaces and bike spaces.

“This lot used to be overgrown with weeds and falling down buildings,” said Hyde Park resident Nicole Wiggins. “It is wonderful to see investment in our community that creates affordable housing, playgrounds, and community spaces that will benefit current Hyde Park residents.”

The project is LEED Silver Certified and has many green features for long-term operations, sustainability, and includes several improvements such as new sidewalks, handicap accessible ramps, benches, lighting, bike racks, and a playground. The building was designed by DMS Design, constructed by Delphi Construction, and will be managed by Maloney Properties. Southwest Boston CDC will provide ongoing services to residents.

“We have long advocated for equitable investment along the Fairmount Corridor, and we could not be more thrilled that through community persistence and support from Mayor Walsh, we have succeeded,” said Mimi Turchinetz, board chair of Southwest Boston Community Development Corporation, one of the joint venture partners on the project. “By providing residents with high-quality affordable housing, safe and beautiful play spaces, and access to transit, we make Hyde Park more beautiful while also providing Hyde Park families with much needed stability.”

“It’s been a pleasure working with Southwest Boston CDC to bring a shared vision for equitable transit oriented development to life,” said Dave Traggorth, Principal of Traggorth Companies, the second partner in the joint venture to build the project. “Their tireless advocacy, along with the critical resources from the City of Boston and the Commonwealth, has created beautiful, affordable homes for Hyde Park families. We hope this project sets the standard for the neighborhood, and is just the beginning of an exciting chapter.”

The new development has been made possible in part by a City of Boston contribution of more than $1.7 million. This contribution enabled the development team to take advantage of more than $2.5 million from the Commonwealth’s Department of Housing and Community Development. The State also provided an allocation of almost $1.5 million in federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) that helped raise over $4.7 million in equity from National Equity Fund, the equity investor in the project. Webster Bank provided a construction loan with MassHousing providing long-term permanent financing. The Community Economic Development Assistance Corporation (CEDAC) and the Equitable Transit-Oriented Development Accelerator Fund (ETODAF) at LISC Boston provided critical predevelopment and acquisition funding to secure the site.

The Residences at Fairmont Station consist of affordable units to low- and middle-class families and strongly aligns with the City’s housing goals outlined in Housing a Changing City: Boston 2030. Mayor Walsh recently increased the City’s overall housing targets from 53,000 to 69,000 new units by 2030 to meet Boston’s population growth. These updated housing goals build on Mayor Walsh’s commitment to increasing access to home ownership, preventing displacement and promoting fair and equitable housing access.

Since the release of the original Housing a Changing City: Boston 2030 plan in 2014, income-restricted housing stock, designed to increase affordable housing, has grown along with overall new production: nearly 20 percent of housing units are income restricted, and 25 percent of rental units are income restricted. In total, after creating an additional 15,820 units of income-restricted housing, Boston will have nearly 70,000 units of income-restricted housing by 2030.

These income-restricted units will include purchasing 1,000 rental housing units from the speculative market and income-restricting them through an expanded Acquisition Opportunity Program. In addition, the City will soon announce awardees of an affordable housing funding round that includes more than $16 million in city affordable housing funds, and the first large scale awards of Community Preservation Act (CPA) funding for affordable housing development projects.

For more information on the City’s work to create more housing, please visit: Housing A Changing City: Boston 2030.

SourceSampan

Residences at Fairmount Station Opens With Celebration in Hyde Park

Mayor Martin J. Wash today joined Southwest Boston Community Development Corporation, Traggorth Companies, elected officials and residents to celebrate the grand opening of The Residences at Fairmount Station. This once-vacant property is now a transit-oriented residential development that offers 27 rental units, including 24 affordable units. The project is part of a larger City effort to prioritize affordable development along the Fairmont Corridor, one of the action areas outlined in Imagine Boston 2030 with the goal of expanding opportunities and reducing disparities for residents in the area.

The Residences at Fairmount Station opened

“Today we celebrate a milestone in our efforts to create more affordable housing by officially opening The Residences at Fairmount Station, which sets the standard for all transit-oriented development in the city,” said Mayor Walsh. “I’m proud that with our partners we were able to create 27 rental homes for Boston’s working families. This new development will continue to keep Hyde Park a strong and vibrant neighborhood for generations to come.”

The $12 million four-story building features a combination of studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom units. Out of the 27 rental units, 24 are affordable to households at or below 60 percent of Area Median Income (AMI), which is around $51,000 for a two-income household. The remaining three units are designated for households at or below 70 percent AMI, or around $60,000 for a two-income household. The development also offers 6,000 square feet of green space and play space, a public community room, and parking spaces and bike spaces.

“This lot used to be overgrown with weeds and falling down buildings,” said Hyde Park resident Nicole Wiggins. “It is wonderful to see investment in our community that creates affordable housing, playgrounds, and community spaces that will benefit current Hyde Park residents.”

The project is LEED Silver Certified and has many green features for long-term operations, sustainability, and includes several improvements such as new sidewalks, handicap accessible ramps, benches, lighting, bike racks, and a playground. The building was designed by DMS Design, constructed by Delphi Construction, and will be managed by Maloney Properties. Southwest Boston CDC will provide ongoing services to residents.

“We have long advocated for equitable investment along the Fairmount Corridor, and we could not be more thrilled that through community persistence and support from Mayor Walsh, we have succeeded,” said Mimi Turchinetz, board chair of Southwest Boston Community Development Corporation, one of the joint venture partners on the project. “By providing residents with high-quality affordable housing, safe and beautiful play spaces, and access to transit, we make Hyde Park more beautiful while also providing Hyde Park families with much needed stability.”

“It’s been a pleasure working with Southwest Boston CDC to bring a shared vision for equitable transit oriented development to life,” said Dave Traggorth, Principal of Traggorth Companies, the second partner in the joint venture to build the project. “Their tireless advocacy, along with the critical resources from the City of Boston and the Commonwealth, has created beautiful, affordable homes for Hyde Park families. We hope this project sets the standard for the neighborhood, and is just the beginning of an exciting chapter.”

The new development has been made possible in part by a City of Boston contribution of more than $1.7 million. This contribution enabled the development team to take advantage of more than $2.5 million from the Commonwealth’s Department of Housing and Community Development. The State also provided an allocation of almost $1.5 million in federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) that helped raise over $4.7 million in equity from National Equity Fund, the equity investor in the project. Webster Bank provided a construction loan with MassHousing providing long-term permanent financing. The Community Economic Development Assistance Corporation (CEDAC) and the Equitable Transit-Oriented Development Accelerator Fund (ETODAF) at LISC Boston provided critical predevelopment and acquisition funding to secure the site.

The Residences at Fairmont Station consist of affordable units to low- and middle-class families and strongly aligns with the City’s housing goals outlined in Housing a Changing City: Boston 2030. Mayor Walsh recently increased the City’s overall housing targets from 53,000 to 69,000 new units by 2030 to meet Boston’s population growth. These updated housing goals build on Mayor Walsh’s commitment to increasing access to home ownership, preventing displacement and promoting fair and equitable housing access.

Since the release of the original Housing a Changing City: Boston 2030 plan in 2014, income-restricted housing stock, designed to increase affordable housing, has grown along with overall new production: nearly 20 percent of housing units are income restricted, and 25 percent of rental units are income restricted. In total, after creating an additional 15,820 units of income-restricted housing, Boston will have nearly 70,000 units of income-restricted housing by 2030.

These income-restricted units will include purchasing 1,000 rental housing units from the speculative market and income-restricting them through an expanded Acquisition Opportunity Program. In addition, the City will soon announce awardees of an affordable housing funding round that includes more than $16 million in city affordable housing funds, and the first large scale awards of Community Preservation Act (CPA) funding for affordable housing development projects.

For more information on the City’s work to create more housing, please visit: Housing A Changing City: Boston 2030.

ABOUT SOUTHWEST BOSTON COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

The Southwest Boston Community Development Corporation (SWBCDC) works to build and sustain a thriving, racially and economically equitable community in Hyde Park and Roslindale. We work to prevent displacement, create and preserve affordable housing, strengthen the commercial base of the neighborhoods, ensure access to good transit and green spaces, and develop local leaders whose voices are not otherwise heard. For more information, please visit swbcdc.org

ABOUT TRAGGORTH COMPANIES

Based in Boston, Traggorth Companies works to execute mid-sized smart growth, urban infill multifamily projects working collaboratively with communities to balance affordability, tenure, historic preservation, and economic development. For more information, please visit traggorthcompanies.com

SourceCity of Boston Neighborhood Development

Quincy Affordable Housing Community Purchased

The Asian Community Development Corp. (ACDC) of Greater Boston has purchased Martensen Village, a 12-unit affordable housing community in Quincy. The Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) and MassHousing assisted the company in financing and preserving the affordability of all the units for at least 40 years.

DHCD provided $1.7 million in 13A preservation financing, HOME funds from the city of Quincy, a $561,941 redevelopment loan from the Community Economic Development Assistance Corp. and a $15,970 capitalized 13A payment grant from MassHousing make up the financing for the community.

The funds will be used to make immediate repairs of the community, with a permanent financing transaction also helping future rehabilitation of the property, as well as preserving affordability of the units.

“ACDC is excited about this opportunity to preserve an important affordable housing asset, and this project complements our existing housing and civic engagement work in Quincy. We are grateful for the partnership with DHCD and MassHousing, and we look forward to working with the city of Quincy and CEDAC to complete essential renovations at Martensen Village to ensure the property’s long-term viability,” ACDC Executive Director Angie Liou said in a statement.

SourceBanker & Tradesman