Tag: Elderly

Money approved for housing project

Sunday, May 19, 2013
Money approved for housing project

WEBSTER — A Boston-based nonprofit has approved $400,000 in funding to renovate the former Sitkowski School into an affordable housing project.

The Community Economic Development Assistance Corp. has approved $400,000 in funding for the Neighborhood of Affordable Housing Inc. project to convert the former high school into a 66-unit development and community center for seniors, according to a press release from CEDAC.

“The development, known as the Sitkowski School Apartments project, will add to the continued revitalization efforts in Webster, while also providing affordable housing options for elderly residents,” the press release said. “Funding for this project was increased from $100,000 to $300,000 to assist NOAH in moving the project forward, now that it has received its state funding awards in February.”

CEDAC also approved renovations of a former school in Dorchester and a 4-acre site in Easthampton into affordable housing complexes.

URL: http://www.telegram.com/article/20130519/NEWS/305199991/1002/business
© 2013 Worcester Telegram & Gazette Corp

SourceWorcester Telegram & Gazette

Lower-cost units remain in Hyde Park

Lower-cost units remain in Hyde Park

By Jeannie Nuss, Globe Correspondent | May 9, 2010

Mayor Thomas M. Menino told dozens of residents of Blake Estates in Hyde Park yesterday that their affordable housing complex will remain affordable until 2030.

“We’re going for 20 years of affordability right here at Blake Estates,’’ Menino said to an outburst of applause from the crowd.

Menino’s announcement came after negotiations with the property’s owner, Beacon Residential Properties, which agreed to extend the affordable housing contract with the US Department of Housing and Urban Development. The current Section 8 contract was due to expire this year for the 263-unit housing complex on Hyde Park Avenue that houses elderly and disabled people. Under the contract, seniors pay no more than 30 percent of their income toward rent.

Rosetta Wilson, a 75-year-old grandmother of eight and great-grandmother of three, has been living in Blake Estates for 10 years.

“I’m ecstatic,’’ Wilson said after yesterday’s announcement. “I don’t want to go to a nursing home or assisted living. I like to cook what I like to cook. I don’t want anyone to plan my meals for me.’’

Menino talked about his personal connection to the area, which is where he grew up.

“We work hard together. We don’t allow people to come in here and say, ‘Oh we’re gonna throw you out,’ ’’ Menino said. “We’re never gonna throw you out.’’

City Councilor Rob Consalvo called the extension a “great victory’’ for Hyde Park.

“All of you at Blake Estates are so important to the fabric of our neighborhood,’’ Consalvo said. “You are our neighborhood.’’

“You can live here and understand that you’re not going anywhere, and we’re not going anywhere,’’ he added. Still, Roger Herzog, the executive director of the Community Economic Development Assistance Corporation, called attention to the difficulties that planners face in maintaining affordable housing and praised the mayor’s work.

“Mayor Menino, for his entire term as mayor, has really been a natural leader in making sure that places like Blake Estates stay affordable,’’ Herzog said.

SourceBoston Globe

Mont Marie project begun

Mont Marie project begun
Wednesday, November 18, 2009

HOLYOKE – The Sisters of St. Joseph broke ground for the St. Joseph Residence at Mont Marie on Oct. 27.

The congregation was awarded a $4.3 million federal grant for the project from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. In addition, the grant will provide a three-year rental subsidy of $438,000.

This is the second time in three years that the Sisters of St. Joseph has been awarded HUD funding for a senior housing project. Sister Mary Quinn, president of the congregation, said, “St. Joseph Residence will respond to our neighbors who are in need of affordable housing as well as supportive services. This project speaks to the heart of who we are as Sisters of St. Joseph serving our ‘dear neighbors.'”

Project manager Sheila Galicki added, “The Sisters of St. Joseph are wonderful partners. Their mission mirrors HUD’s mission of providing affordable, safe housing for the elderly.”

The two-story facility will include 30 one-bedroom low income apartments for people over the age of 62 with varying needs for supportive services. The sisters, co-sponsoring the project with Mercy Housing, designed the facility to provide housing that prolongs independent living as an alternative to long-term care placement.

All apartments will be of senior-friendly design and a percentage will also be handicapped accessible. The building will include a community room with kitchen, a computer and sitting room and a large courtyard for recreation. The facility, at 38 Lower Westfield Road, will sit on the east side of the Mont Marie campus.

The congregation received additional funding from the state Department of Housing and Community Development, the city, the Community Economic Development Assistance Corporation and the Charles H. Farnsworth Trust.

St. Joseph Residence is the second phase of a multi-phase affordable housing campus. The first phase, Mont Marie Senior Residence, which opened in September 2008, was primarily funded by a $6.2 million HUD grant and provides 49 low income apartments for the elderly who require limited services. Both residences will be open to the public. Submitted by the Sisters of St. Joseph.

SourceThe Republican (MassLive.com)