New Facilities Funding for Early Education Programs in Massachusetts

Massachusetts has just announced the release of $4.1 million in facilities grants. Typically, these funds help early education and after school programs repair, renovate, and expand their buildings. This round of funding will focus on early education and care facilities that serve low-income children.

“Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito made the announcement at the Worcester Community Action Council’s (WCAC) early education program in Webster, the site of one of the facilities funded by the 2017 grant awards,” according to a press release from the state’s Executive Office of Education.

“Facility improvements like these, coupled with an already announced 6 percent rate increase for early education providers, ensure that more children have access to high-quality environments and staff that will improve their learning experience,” Governor Charlie Baker added.

The five grant recipients are Child Care of the Berkshires, Belchertown Day School, Inc., Action for Boston Community Development, the YWCA of Southeastern Massachusetts, and the previously mentioned Worcester Community Action Council. An estimated 301 children will benefit from this investment.

Worcester’s project is a building conversion. The Telegram and Gazette reports:

“Ever since the roof of a Head Start program in Oxford collapsed under extreme winter conditions in 2015, dozens of Webster children have had to use a Head Start program in Southbridge.” So, the Worcester Community Action Council is using its grant to turn a former senior center into a Head Start facility that’s slated to open in the fall of 2018.

The need for this investment was documented in a 2011 report from the Children’s Investment Fund, part of CEDAC, the Community Economic Development Assistance Corporation. CEDAC also administers the state’s facilities funding grants.

For children, the impact is substantial. As Tom Weber, commissioner of the Department of Early Education and Care, says in the press release, “Thoughtfully designed and developmentally-appropriate environments help children learn and grow successfully.”

“This strategic investment of public resources helps early education and out-of-school time programs leverage private funding to create high-quality learning spaces for children that otherwise might be out of reach.”

https://eyeonearlyeducation.com/2017/09/13/new-facilities-funding-for-early-education-programs-in-massachusetts/

SourceEye on Early Education

Baker-Polito Administration Awards $4.1 Million for Early Education Programs

The Baker-Polito Administration and the Community Economic Development Assistance Corporation (CEDAC) today announced $4.1 million in grant awards for facility improvements at early education and care programs that serve low income children. Five agencies were selected to receive an Early Education and Care and Out of School Time (EEOST) capital improvement grant, which will help increase the quality of their early education programs through critical facility repairs and renovations.

Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito made the announcement at the Worcester Community Action Council (WCAC), early education program in Webster, the site of one of the facilities funded by the 2017 grant awards.

“These grants will support the renovation and construction of early education and care programs for our youngest children,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “Facility improvements like these, coupled with an already announced 6% rate increase for early education providers, ensure that more children have access to high-quality environments and staff that will improve their learning experience.”

“The facility improvements funded through the EEOST capital improvements grants are modernizing spaces and providing a better environment for the children to grow and learn,” Lt. Governor Karyn Polito said. “We are proud today’s grants will improve the early education experience for families in North Adams, New Bedford, Belchertown, Roxbury, and Webster.”

The $4.1 million in FY17 grant awards will improve the quality of existing settings for approximately 301 children in programs licensed by the Department of Early Education and Care; increase the capacity of these programs to serve an additional 75 children in higher quality settings; and will support the creation of an estimated 13 educator positions and 72 construction jobs during the grant period.

Since taking office in Jan 2015, the Baker-Polito Administration has awarded more than $15.1 million to 21 grantees.

“In 2011, a study on the condition of early childhood and out-of-school time facilities in Massachusetts found that deficiencies in the buildings impacted the quality of teaching and learning, and recommended the development of a sustainable source of public capital to help non-profit providers serving children living in low income communities improve their facilities,” Education Secretary James Peyser said. “We have made a commitment to invest in these facilities, and know that it will positively impact the learning environments of our youngest students.”

The Early Education and Care and Out of School Time capital improvement grants are financed through the state’s capital budget and provide matching funds that leverage private investment. The Baker-Polito Administration’s FY18 Capital Budget Plan included $4 million for the Early Education and Out of School Time grant program.

“Thoughtfully designed and developmentally-appropriate environments help children learn and grow successfully,” said Early Education and Care Commissioner Tom Weber. “This strategic investment of public resources helps early education and out-of-school time programs leverage private funding to create high-quality learning spaces for children that otherwise might be out of reach.”

All of the programs selected to receive a grant award serve publicly subsidized families, have demonstrated financial need, and have secured additional funding to pay for a portion of their project costs. The Department of Early Education and Care partnered with CEDAC’s affiliate, the Children’s Investment Fund, to administer the grant awards. All of the grantees are tax-exempt non-profit corporations or organizations in which a non-profit corporation has a controlling interest.

“The EEOST Capital Fund is a critical resource for helping non-profit child care providers improve the spaces where so many low income children attend child care,” said Theresa Jordan, Program Manager of Children’s Investment Fund. “It has helped fund renovations and construction of centers, creating wonderful learning environments across the Commonwealth. The child care community is grateful that policymakers had both the vision and commitment to quality that led to establishment of the Capital Fund. This Fund has made Massachusetts a national leader in developing facilities that support children’s education and wellbeing.”

Ten organizations submitted requests for funding that totaled nearly $9 million combined. The applicants selected for a grant award demonstrated sound feasibility of project, readiness for implementation, and likely potential for long-term sustainability and success. The grantees and their award amounts are listed below:

Lead Agency	Service Area	Award
Child Care of the Berkshires	North Adams	$1,000,000
Belchertown Day School, Inc.	Belchertown	$1,000,000
Action for Boston Community Development	Roxbury	$743,740
YWCA of Southeastern Massachusetts	New Bedford	$800,000
Worcester Community Action Council	Webster	$600,000

“We are thrilled to be receiving this important state grant which will allow us to bring these critical Head Start services back to a community where they are needed,” said WCAC Executive Director Jill Dagilis. “Today represents the culmination of several years of hard work to identify a good site which addresses the needs of Webster’s working families and their children. WCAC is indebted to the many generous funders, public officials and other partners for helping to make this project possible.”

The grants were financed through the Early Education and Care and Out of School Time Capital Fund, which was established in 2013 through An Act Financing the Production and Preservation of Housing for Low and Moderate Income Residents. The legislation that established the capital fund provided $45 million in general obligation bond funding over five years.

http://www.mass.gov/edu/government/departments-and-boards/department-of-early-education-and-care/press-releases/baker-polito-administration-awards-4-1m-in-facilities.html

SourceExecutive Office of Education

$1.1M announced for Head Start in Webster

Federal, state and local officials converged on a vacant School Street building Thursday to celebrate its future as an early childhood education facility, and the infusion of more than $1 million toward the effort.

Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito announced $600,000 in state funding for the project, while U.S. Rep. James McGovern, D-Worcester, revealed a $500,000 commitment from the federal Administration for Children and Families.

The Worcester Community Action Council aims to repurpose the former senior center at 116 School St. into a Head Start facility, for an estimated $1.7 million.

Ever since the roof of a Head Start program in Oxford collapsed under extreme winter conditions in 2015, dozens of Webster children have had to use a Head Start program in Southbridge.

Head Start is a program of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that provides early childhood education, health, nutrition and parent involvement services to low-income children and families.

In early 2015, the WCAC shut down its Head Start program in Oxford when the roof was deemed dangerous because of exceptional winter weather. WCAC officials said busing children from surrounding towns to Southbridge is a considerable expense to the organization, and an inconvenience to families.

WCAC negotiated a 25-year lease, with a five-year extension, with Webster. But the two-story brick building will need to be rehabbed.

In addition to Webster, Ms. Polito said she was highlighting $4.1 million in capital grants for the modernization of spaces for early education programs in Boston, Belchertown, North Adams and New Bedford.

The state funding is from the early education and out-of-school time capital fund, which has provided up to $45 million in general obligation bond funding during five years, for grants to group and school-age child care facilities that are licensed by the state Department of Early Education and Care. The money is to renovate, improve or acquire and construct new program facilities for nonprofit corporations and organizations that serve low-income families.

The lieutenant governor said early educators are as important as the buildings that house the programs.

She said that under the leadership of state education secretary James Peyser, who was also in attendance, she and Gov. Charles D. Baker were pleased to provide a 6 percent rate increase to early educators across the state, the largest rate hike for subsidized early education programs in 10 years, Ms. Polito said.

“We need talented, caring people to choose the line of work as early educators to be on the team to make a difference for the children,” she said, noting that subsidized programs support approximately 56,000 children daily in Massachusetts.

Mr. McGovern thanked the WCAC for serving the most vulnerable people in a large chunk of his congressional district.

Mr. McGovern noted that the federal funding hadn’t been confirmed until 1 p.m. Thursday. He said he made yet another plea earlier in the day, and joked that he would have been embarrassed to show up in Webster empty-handed.

“I couldn’t be happier because I believe in all that is going to occur in this building,” he said.

State Sen. Ryan C. Fattman, R-Webster, who often reads to children in Head Start in Southbridge, said that transforming the facility from a senior center to a Head Start facility symbolized a changing of the guard and shifting of generations. Mr. Fattman nodded to the children of the program positioned to his right and said that if America doesn’t invest in their future, their future will be in question.

WCAC Executive Director Jill Dagilis thanked state Rep. Joseph McKenna, R-Webster, for his dedication to Webster families and the WCAC program. She said he opened many doors and kept the priority for funding the project on everyone’s radar. As a result, the WCAC gave Mr. McKenna its community action award earlier this year.

Mr. McKenna called the effort “one of those rare projects where everyone comes together and pulls in the same direction.”

The project calls for construction of four classrooms, a reception area and office spaces, installation of a new sprinkler system, elevator, flooring and lighting. Improvements will be made to the kitchen, restrooms and electrical system, alongside accessibility upgrades and the installation of a playground.

The building will serve 71 low-income children and 15 staff members.

It was originally designed as a private school built in the 1950s, with a renovation in 1979 to serve as the senior center, which has since moved.

The new Head Start’s anticipated opening is fall 2018.

Currently, 31 Webster children are enrolled in the half-day program, and the 10 children enrolled in the full-time program from Webster are bused daily to WCAC’s site in Southbridge.

There are an additional 30 children from Webster on the agency’s waiting list for Head Start.

The winter snowfall of 2015 was a FEMA-designated disaster. The roof collapse displaced 87 children and 15 staff in Oxford.

A Webster mother, Delilah Charest, whose children are 7 and 4, said she continued to take her children to Head Start in Southbridge when the Oxford facility closed because “it’s done a lot for my family,” she said.

Ms. Charest credited WCAC for allowing her to get training and get back to full-time work while her children were in the program. She said it also helped her son with a speech problem.

Ms. Charest said she is happy that the program will be closer to home.

Another Webster mother, Nicole Swift, said she has a 4-year-old child with ADHD in the Southbridge Head Start. She said she believes in the program because of its understanding teachers who are helpful with her daughter’s behavioral problems.

Ms. Dagilis, the executive director, also thanked Webster Selectman Randall V. Becker and his wife, Donna, for kicking off the private fundraising campaign by pledging $200,000, the largest individual donation in the agency’s history.

http://www.telegram.com/news/20170831/11m-announced-for-head-start-in-webster

SourceWorcester Telegram

Baker-Polito Administration Awards $72 Million to Create, Rehabilitate and Preserve Nearly 2,000 Housing Units

BOSTON – Today, Governor Charlie Baker announced $72 million in housing subsidy funds and additional state and federal tax credits to 25 projects in 17 communities for the creation, rehabilitation, and preservation of 1,970 housing units across the Commonwealth, including 402 units reserved for very low-income families and families making the transition out of homelessness, building on the Baker-Polito Administration’s commitment to increasing the production and preservation of affordable housing for all residents.

“Safe and affordable housing is a cornerstone to the success of our Commonwealth’s families, including access to job opportunities for many of our most vulnerable populations,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “Through our combined efforts and investments to date, over 5,200 affordable housing units are being created, preserved or rehabilitated to support the growth of Massachusetts, our workforce, communities and families.”

The administration is awarding over $72 million in housing subsidy funds, including federal HOME funds and state capital funds. Additionally, the Department of Housing and Community Development is awarding more than $28 million in state and federal low-income housing tax credits, which will generate more than $180 million in equity for these projects. The awards will create or preserve 1,978 rental units, including 1,698 affordable units, in 25 projects across the state. Three projects will reserve units for individuals with disabilities, two are transit-oriented developments and three projects will include Single-Room Occupancy (SRO) units, including a building dedicated to youth aging out of foster care.

“Massachusetts is strongest when all of our families and residents have access to opportunities to thrive,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito.“Today’s awards will support affordable housing options for families in communities across the Commonwealth’s, regardless of income or zip code, including projects with housing for low-income or formerly homeless families, individuals with disabilities, veterans and the elderly.”

Governor Baker joined Boston Mayor Marty Walsh, Housing and Economic Development Secretary Jay Ash, Housing and Community Development Undersecretary Chrystal Kornegay and MassHousing Executive Director Tim Sullivan to make the funding announcement at Olmsted Green in Mattapan. Olmsted Green is a 38-acre, existing mixed-income housing community on the former site of the Boston State Hospital.

“Today was a big day for housing here in Boston and across the Commonwealth. Not only did we break ground on mixed-income housing units today, we were given the support to continue our work in creating affordable homes for those in this thriving city and create more construction jobs in our neighborhoods,” said Mayor Walsh. “I want to thank the Governor for making these funds available and for supporting important projects like Olmsted Green in Boston.”

Lena New Boston’s efforts are one piece of the larger redevelopment of the former Boston State Hospital into a mix of housing, community and green space. The site includes the Mass Audubon’s Boston Nature Center and Wildlife Sanctuary, which sits on 67 acres. While the site sat vacant after the hospital’s closure in 1979, the past decade has seen the complete transformation of the space, bringing significant affordable and mixed-income housing to the Mattapan neighborhood, with rental and home-ownership opportunities for residents.

The Lena Park Community Development Corporation and New Boston Fund, together known as Lena New Boston LLC, are currently completing a 41-unit affordable, home-ownership development, with previous support from MassHousing’s Workforce Housing Initiative, a joint initiative with DHCD. Lena New Boston will also build an additional 100 units of mixed-income rental housing in the next phase of the development with support from today’s awards.

“Today’s announcement of significant investments in affordable housing represents a key part of the administration’s inclusive strategy to support families and residents, and meet the needs of every community in Massachusetts,” said Housing and Economic Development Secretary Jay Ash. “Creating and preserving housing for families across the income spectrum will allow us to build and retain a skilled workforce across the state, and give our residents access to more opportunities.”

“Our administration is committed to supporting projects that support our most vulnerable communities, from very low-income families, to seniors, veterans and individuals with disabilities,” said Housing and Community Development Undersecretary Chrystal Kornegay. “Affordable housing is a strong tool for community development, and our investments using the Low Income Housing Tax Credit reflect those priorities.”

The 2017 affordable rental housing award round reflects the Baker-Polito Administration’s ongoing commitment to substantially invest in housing across the Commonwealth. In April, Governor Baker filed a housing bond bill seeking $1.287 billion in additional capital authorization to advance the administration’s commitment to affordable housing. In May 2016, the administration unveiled a five-year capital budget plan that includes a $1.1 billion commitment to increasing housing production, an 18% funding increase over previous funding levels. The $1.1 billion capital commitment provides for significant expansions in state support for mixed-income housing production, public housing modernization, and affordable housing preservation.

Since 2015 the Baker-Polito Administration has provided direct funding to create and preserve over 5,200 units of affordable housing across Massachusetts.

In addition, the administration and MassHousing have previously committed $100 million to support the construction of 1,000 new workforce housing units. To date, the Workforce Housing Initiative has advanced the development of 1,317 housing units across a range of incomes, including 387 workforce housing units.

2017 Awardees

Mechanic Mill is a mixed-income historic rehabilitation project located in Attleboro. The project sponsor is WinnDevelopment. When completed, Mechanic Mill will offer 91 total units, with 56 affordable, including 10 units reserved for households earning less than 30 percent of area median income (AMI). All 91 units will be reserved for persons who are at least 55 years old.

Burbank Gardens is a preservation project of an existing 52-unit development located in Boston’s Fenway neighborhood. Fenway Community Development Corporation, with assistance from DHCD, MassHousing, and the City of Boston, will rehabilitate and preserve the existing property and restrict 39 of the 52 units for rental to low and moderate-income tenants.

Cote Village is a 76-unit new construction project in Dorchester sponsored by Caribbean Integration Community Development and the Planning Office for Urban Affairs of the Archdiocese of Boston. The City of Boston also will provide substantial support to the project. When completed, Cote Village will include 56 affordable units, including eight units reserved for formerly homeless individuals or families, and several units reserved for persons with disabilities.

General Heath Square Apartments is a 47-unit new construction project in Boston’s Jamaica Plain neighborhood. The sponsor is the non-profit Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Development Corporation. The city of Boston also will provide substantial support to the project. When completed, this transit-oriented project will include 40 affordable units, including 20 units reserved for households earning less than 30 percent of AMI.

Olmsted Green Mixed-Income is a 100‑unit mixed-income new construction project in Boston to be built on the site of the former Boston State Hospital. Previously, the state and the City of Boston have helped finance over 500 units on the former hospital site. Sponsored by the New Boston Fund, the completed project will offer 40 affordable rental units, including 16 units for households earning less than 30 percent of AMI and several units for persons with disabilities. Sixty units within the project will be made available as workforce and market-rate rental units. The City of Boston also will provide funding for this project.

Talbot Commons Phase 1 is a new construction/rehabilitation project located in Boston’s Codman Square neighborhood. The sponsor is the non-profit Codman Square Neighborhood Development Corporation. The City of Boston also will provide significant support to Talbot Commons. The completed project will offer 40 affordable family units, including nine units reserved for households earning less than 30 percent of AMI.

The Clarion is a new construction mixed-income family housing project to be built on Blue Hill Avenue in Boston. The sponsor is the non-profit The Community Builders (TCB). The City of Boston also will provide significant support to The Clarion. The site is located near major transit and retail opportunities and will offer 39 total units. Twenty seven units will be affordable, including seven units reserved for households earning less than 30 percent of AMI. Several affordable units also will be reserved for persons with disabilities.

Washington Westminster House in Boston is a new construction project sponsored by the non-profit Elizabeth Stone House. The 32-unit project will provide affordable housing as well as support services for at-risk and homeless families. All 32 units will be reserved for households with incomes below 30 percent of AMI. The City of Boston also will provide funds to Washington Westminster House.

Wilshire Westminster in Boston is a scattered-site preservation project sponsored by the non-profit Urban Edge to rehabilitate existing properties consisting of 99 total units for families. Eighty-nine of the rehabilitated units will be affordable, including 10 units reserved for households earning less than 30 percent of AMI.

JAS Consolidation is a scattered-site preservation and production project located in Cambridge and sponsored by the non-profit Just-A-Start Inc. The 112-unit consolidation project includes multiple properties located between Kendall Square and East Cambridge. Several of the properties, including St. Patrick’s Church, were destroyed in a massive fire in December 2016. The fire-impacted properties will be demolished and replaced with new, affordable housing, including 12 units reserved for households earning less than 30 percent AMI. Other properties included in the consolidation will be rehabilitated with support from DHCD and from the City of Cambridge.

MacArthur Terrace in Chicopee is a preservation project, an existing large-scale family development sponsored by Dimeo Properties. The City of Chicopee also will provide support to the project. When completed, MacArthur Terrace will offer 222 total units, with 182 affordable units, including 44 units for households earning less than 30 percent of AMI.

Brownstone Gardens in Easthampton is a preservation project sponsored by Carr Property Management. Originally financed through MassHousing’s Chapter 13A program, the property will be rehabilitated with subsidy funds from DHCD and assistance from MassHousing. When completed, Brownstone Gardens will offer 132 total units, with 107 affordable units, including 33 units reserved for households earning less than 30 percent of AMI.

Bostwick Gardens in Great Barrington is a new construction/rehabilitation project for seniors sponsored by Berkshire Housing Development Corporation. The completed project will offer 31 new affordable units for seniors as well as 29 rehabilitated units in an existing building. Eighteen of the total units will be reserved for individuals or couples earning less than 30 percent of AMI. The non-profit Berkshire Housing Development Corporation will make certain services for seniors available on-site and also will help senior residents access off-site services.

98 Essex in Haverhill is a new construction family housing project sponsored by Affordable Housing and Services Collaborative, Inc. The City of Haverhill also will provide funds to 98 Essex. When completed, the project will feature 62 total units, all of which are affordable, with seven units reserved for households earning less than 30 percent of AMI.

The Gerson Building in Haverhill is a new construction project sponsored by the non-profit Coalition for a Better Acre. The City of Haverhill also will provide funds to the Gerson Building. The completed project will offer 44 units for families as well as a preference for households that include veterans. All 44 units will be affordable, with eight units reserved for households earning less than 30 percent of AMI.

Holyoke Farms Apartments is a large-scale family preservation project located in Holyoke. The sponsor is Maloney Properties, Inc. The City of Holyoke also will provide funds in support of the rehabilitation. When completed, Holyoke Farms will offer 229 family housing units, with 191 affordable units, including eight units reserved for households earning below 30 percent of AMI and 12 new construction units.

Carter School in Leominster is a historic rehabilitation project sponsored by the non-profit NewVue Communities. The sponsor will rehabilitate a vacant and fire-damaged school building into 39 family housing units. All units will be affordable, including 16 units affordable to households earning less than 30 percent of AMI. The City of Leominster also will provide funds to the project.

Willis Street Apartments in New Bedford is a new construction project sponsored by the non-profit Women’s Development Corporation. The project will consist of 30 affordable single-room occupancy (SRO) units, and the sponsor will offer a veteran’s preference for each unit. All units will be affordable, including 23 units reserved for individuals earning less than 30 percent of AMI.

Transitional and Supportive Housing is a scattered-site project located in North Adams and Adams and sponsored by the non-profit Louison House. The sponsor currently operates the only comprehensive shelter program for homeless families in northern Berkshire County. The Transitional and Supportive Housing project will consist of the rehabilitation of 22 family shelter units destroyed by fire as well as the construction of five new permanent housing units for homeless families. All units will be affordable to households earning less than 30 percent of AMI, and the sponsor will provide extensive services to resident families.

King Pine is a large-scale family preservation project located in Orange. The sponsor is The Schochet Companies. The sponsor will rehabilitate this project and extend restrictions on rental rates well into the future. The completed project will offer 234 affordable units, including 24 units affordable to households earning less than 30 percent of AMI.

Cape Cod Village is a new construction project in Orleans. The sponsor is the non-profit Cape Cod Village, Inc. When completed, the project will offer 15 affordable housing units and services to persons with disabilities, including autism. DHCD will support Cape Cod Village with subsidy funds, and seven communities on Cape Cod have committed Community Preservation Act or other local funds to the project.

Harbor and Lafayette Homes is a preservation project consisting of two properties, which are single-room occupancy (SRO) buildings, located in Salem. The project sponsor is the non-profit North Shore Community Development Coalition. The City of Salem also will provide funds to the project. When rehabilitation work has been completed, Harbor and Lafayette Homes will offer 27 SRO units. Twenty-six units will be affordable, including seven units reserved for individuals earning less than 30 percent of AMI. The property located at Harbor Street will provide housing and services to youth aging out of foster care.

The Residences at Salisbury Square is a new construction and adaptive re-use project in Salisbury. The sponsor is the non-profit YWCA of Greater Newburyport in partnership with L. D. Russo. When completed, the project will offer 42 total units, all of which will be affordable, with 16 units further restricted for rental to households earning less than 30 percent of AMI.

Chestnut Crossing is a 104-unit preservation project located in downtown Springfield. Formerly owned by the YMCA of Springfield, the project now is owned by the non-profit Home City Housing. Home City Housing will rehabilitate the project as single-room occupancy (SRO) units with kitchenettes and baths. The City of Springfield also will provide funds in support of Chestnut Crossing. Seventy-nine of the completed SROs will be affordable, including 26 SROs affordable to individuals earning less than 30 percent of AMI.

Moseley Apartments in Westfield involves the historic rehabilitation of a vacant school building into affordable housing for families. The sponsor is the non-profit Domus; Moseley Apartments will be the sponsor’s second school re-use project in Westfield. When completed, Moseley Apartments will offer 23 affordable units, including six units affordable to households earning less than 30 percent of AMI.

http://www.mass.gov/governor/press-office/press-releases/fy2018/awards-to-create-rehab-and-preserve-2000-housing-units.html#

SourceGovernor Charlie Baker Press Office

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Nearly $1.5 Million In Brownfields Funding For Nine Projects

Today, Baker-Polito Administration announced nearly $1.5 million in Brownfields Redevelopment Fund awards to support the environmental assessment and cleanup of contaminated and challenging sites across the Commonwealth.

BROCKTON, MA – July 26, 2017 – Today, Baker-Polito Administration announced nearly $1.5 million in Brownfields Redevelopment Fund awards to support the environmental assessment and cleanup of contaminated and challenging sites across the Commonwealth.

“The Brownfields Redevelopment Fund is a critical tool that unlocks the potential of many former industrial sites throughout Massachusetts,” said Governor Charlie Baker, “transforming them into places where our communities and families can build homes and businesses.”

In Brockton, Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito joined Mayor Bill Carpenter to announce the awards at a site in the city’s downtown Transformative Development Initiative District. NeighborWorks of Southern Massachusetts is receiving an award to conduct environmental assessments at this site in order to redevelop it into 48 units of affordable and market-rate housing and ground floor retail.

“These awards will revitalize downtowns, eliminate blight, and unlock private investment and job growth across the Commonwealth,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “We are pleased to provide these resources to advance the economic development goals of communities throughout Massachusetts.”

“Giving cities and towns the ability to create shovel-ready sites is a no brainer in terms of economic development,” said Housing and Economic Development Secretary Jay Ash. “These unused sites are often some of the largest in the Commonwealth and now can be transformed into housing, commercial or industrial spaces that create jobs and enliven communities.”

The Brownfields Redevelopment Fund, established in 1998, is administered by MassDevelopment of behalf of the Commonwealth. The Fund helps to transform vacant, abandoned, or underused industrial or commercial properties. In most cases, redevelopment is complicated by real or perceived environmental contamination and liability. In FY17, the Commonwealth authorized $45 million in capital funding for the Brownfields Redevelopment Fund.

“Since 1998, MassDevelopment has been pleased to administer the Brownfields Redevelopment Fund, which has led to the creation of more than 4,400 jobs and 2,750 units of housing,” said MassDevelopment Executive Vice President of Finance Programs Laura Canter. “We are grateful to the Baker-Polito Administration and the Legislature for its support of this fund, and to Massachusetts’ 351 cities and towns for partnering with us on our brownfields projects.”

“Thank you to the Baker-Polito administration for helping us provide the funds to conduct the necessary steps to better plan and redevelop our downtown and provide the necessary handicap accessible housing our community needs,” said Senator Michael D. Brady. “The Old Kresge building was a landmark in downtown Brockton and it would be great to see that area built back up to help revitalize the city.”

“The funding from the Brownfields Redevelopment Fund will help transform the area in Brockton’s TDI district into a 48 unit affordable and market-rate housing development ,” said Representative Claire Cronin. “We look forward to seeing the benefits that this revitalization will have in our community. Thank you to MassDevelopment and NeighborWorks for their continued investment in our city.”

“These funds are vital to continuing our efforts at revitalizing downtown Brockton, by ensuring healthy and environmentally safe construction,” said Representative Gerry Cassidy. “NeighborWorks is a great asset to our community and I have no doubt they will continue their hard work. Thank you to MassDevelopment and the Baker-Polito administration for investing in Brockton.”

“As a State Representative for Brockton and East Bridgewater, I am grateful for the investment by the Brownfields Fund and the administration to start the clean-up of these sites and get them back onto the tax-rolls,” said Representative Michelle DuBois.

The following municipalities and organizations received Brownfield Redevelopment Fund awards in FY17:

Brockton’s NeighborWorks of Southern Massachusetts, $26,000

NeighborWorks of Southern Massachusetts will use the award to conduct environmental assessment at this highly visible, vacant site in Brockton’s TDI District. NeighborWorks of Southern Massachusetts plans to redevelop this site into 48 units of affordable and market-rate housing with ground floor retail.

Lawrence CommunityWorks Duck Mill project, $334,365

Lawrence CommunityWorks will use this award to perform environmental clean up at the Duck Mill site to transform the former mill building into 10,000-square-feet of retail and 73 units of affordable rental housing.

Lawrence CommunityWorks Union & Milford Street projects, $160,509

Lawrence CommunityWorks will use the award to perform remediation required to build five units of single-family, owner-occupied affordable housing on five vacant lots in Lawrence.

Gardner’s Newvue Affordable Housing Corporation, $18,000

Newvue Housing Corporation will use the award to conduct soil and air testing at a two-story downtown block building in Gardner. Once the property is safe for occupancy, NewVue, a community development corporation, will open a career and homeownership center on the ground floor and create three units of affordable housing on the upper floors.

City of Gardner Theatre Project, $490,475

The City will use this award to demolish and perform hazardous abatement of the former Orpheum Theatre in downtown Gardner, which the City will transform into a public park and parking lot useable to downtown businesses and residents.

Town of East Bridgewater, $99,400

The Town will use this award to perform assessment and find a permanent solution for the Eastern States Steel site, a contaminated, blighted, and highly visible site.

Town of East Bridgewater, $99,700

The Town will use this award to perform environmental assessment at the Precise Engineering site, which it ultimately plans to redevelop into a commercial or light industrial use.

Town of Seekonk, $99,800

The Town will use this award to assess the former Attleboro Dyeing and Finishing site, which it is seeking to redevelop into mixed-income housing and retail that will provide access to the Ten Mile River on which the property sits.

Worcester East Side CDC, $125,000

Worcester East Side CDC will use this award for assessment of a site that will become eight units of garden-style, handicap-accessible housing for extremely low-income or potential homeless residents while they continue to receive supportive services from the Department of Mental Health.

About MassDevelopment:

MassDevelopment, the state’s finance and development agency, works with businesses, nonprofits, financial institutions, and communities to stimulate economic growth across the Commonwealth. During FY2016, MassDevelopment financed or managed 352 projects generating investment of more than $4 billion in the Massachusetts economy. These projects are projected to create about 8,200 jobs and build or rehabilitate about 4,200 residential units.

http://www.mass.gov/hed/press-releases/administration-announces-1-5m-in-brownfields-funding.html

SourceExecutive Office of Housing and Economic Development

$1M for renovations at Child Care of Berkshires

Students of the Monument Square Early Childhood Center at Child Care of the Berkshires lined up outside the Haskins facility on Thursday to celebrate more than $1 million in renovations announced for the school building. Thursday, June 8, 2017. Adam Shanks — The Berkshire Eagle

Child Care of the Berkshires announced a $1 million grant for renovations to its Haskins facility on State Street on Thursday.

The funding will pay for the installation of an elevator, construction of handicapped accessible bathrooms, and a new classroom above the gymnasium.

The work will also include the installation of more energy efficient windows, a fire suppression system, and conversion from heating with oil to natural gas.

“We’re going to do a million different things,” said Anne Nemetz-Carlson, president and CEO of Child Care of the Berkshires Inc.

The Haskins facility on State Street was formerly a North Adams public elementary school and is still owned by the city, but now houses Child Care of the Berkshires’ Monument Square Early Childhood Center.

The nonprofit, which was founded in 1960, provides assistance to more than 2,000 people in the Berkshires every year. Headquartered in North Adams, it operates three child care centers but also offers an array of family support programs, such as the Family Center and the Healthy Families Program.

The funding for the roughly $1.75 million renovation project comes via the federal Department of Early Education and Care’s Early Education and Out of School Time Grant program and private donations through a capital fundraising campaign.

“We’ve already raised $250,000, so we have $500,000 to go,” Nemetz-Carlson said. “We’re applying for grants as well as looking for more support in the community.”

A requirement of the grant was that at least 25 percent of the students in the program are from low-income families, and about 95 percent of the 81 students in the Monument Square Early Childhood Center meet that standard.

The program serves infants, toddlers, preschoolers and school-age children.

Child Care of the Berkshires has utilized the former elementary school for more than 30 years, making smaller improvements along the way, but the 1922 building has not seen a renovation on the scale of the one planned in the coming months.

“My program is going to benefit so greatly with the reinventions of the classrooms and the facility, and all of the improvements to be made,” said Kelly Phillips, director of the Monument Square Early Childhood Center. “It just shows the commitment we have to the families of North Adams.”

Phillips pointed specifically to the benefits of a new classroom for school-age children, which will be lofted above the gymnasium.

Renovations also include installing classroom doors that lock, addressing air conditioning issues, and fixing some flooring.

“It’s just a really nice list of many, many projects to bring the facility up to code,” Nemetz-Carlson said. “Our staff is really excited about the elevator because we have programs on the second floor and the first floor.”

The renovations are required to be complete within the next two years, according to Nemetz-Carlson.

The city and Child Care of the Berkshires took the first step to winning the grant last year.

A condition of the funding was that the nonprofit have long-term site control, so it agreed to a 25-year lease with the city in 2016.

The lease is rent-free for the first five years until rent payments of $1,100 per month begin in year six. As a condition of the site control, the nonprofit has also become responsible for the building’s maintenance and upkeep.

“For 25 years, we’re going to have a home here,” said William Robinson, chair of the nonprofit’s board of directors, who thanked Mayor Richard Alcombright for making the long-term lease possible.

http://www.berkshireeagle.com/stories/1m-for-renovations-at-child-care-of-berkshires,509983

SourceBerkshire Eagle

Northampton receives funding for affordable housing project

NORTHAMPTON, Mass. (WWLP) – The Baker administration announced on Tuesday millions of dollars in funding for an affordable housing complex in Northampton. The project is planned for the former Northampton Lumber Yard property on Pleasant Street.

The Governor’s office said funding will come from low-income housing tax credits, rental housing subsidies and other state funds. The plan includes developing 55 units of affordable family housing and retail space in the downtown area

“We are strengthening cities and towns across the Commonwealth, by partnering with local stakeholders to deliver on their unique visions for community development,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “The tools we are bringing to bear in Northampton, in public infrastructure and affordable housing funding, will allow this city to create a dynamic new entrance to its downtown, while opening up new housing options for families.”

“Northampton has displayed a remarkable level of collaboration and partnership to craft its Pleasant Street corridor master plan, and we are pleased to partner with the city to help deliver on that plan’s promise,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “We are growing strong regional economies, by empowering communities to pursue long-term planning, and then providing them with the necessary resources to reach their goals for economic growth and new housing development.”

Some local business owners told 22News they’re worried parking will be a problem. The owner of Harold’s Garage, Michael Willard, said, “Well it’s going to affect everybody. All these store fronts across the street. People aren’t gonna spend how long looking for a parking place, they’ll just go back to the malls like they always do.”

According to the Governor’s office, the Department of Housing and Community Development awarded the project $1.79 million in state and federal low-income housing tax credits and $3.3 million in direct rental housing subsidies.

Construction could start as soon as September of 2017.

http://wwlp.com/2017/01/10/northampton-receives-funding-for-affordable-housing-project/

‘Lumberyard’ affordable housing in Northampton wins $5 million from state

The Lumberyard Apartments — a 70,000-square-foot affordable housing project planned at 265 Pleasant St. — will move forward with a $5 million investment from the state.

The Baker administration announced Tuesday that its Department of Housing and Community Development will award the project $1.79 million in state and federal low-income housing tax credits and $3.3 million in direct rental housing subsidies.

The Valley Community Development Corporation plans 55 rental units, with 11 reserved for very low-income households, at the site of the former Northampton Lumber.

The Lumberyard Apartments — a 70,000-square-foot affordable housing project planned at 265 Pleasant St. — will move forward with a $5 million investment from the state.

The Valley Community Development Corporation plans 55 rental units, with 11 reserved for very low-income households, at the site of the former Northampton Lumber.

http://www.masslive.com/news/index.ssf/2017/01/lumberyard_affordable_housing.html

SourceMassLive

State grant to benefit Boston Street affordable housing 2 rooming houses will become units for formerly homeless

State grant to benefit Boston Street affordable housing

2 rooming houses will become units for formerly homeless

By Dustin Luca Staff Writer

Aug 19, 2016

SALEM — Harborlight Community Partners just landed a valuable chunk of change toward its $6.5 million overhaul of two Boston Street properties.

Gov. Charlie Baker’s administration said this week that Boston Street Crossing is one of 26 projects in the state that will receive state grants aimed at developing and preserving affordable rental housing. Andrew DeFranza, executive director of Harborlight, said he didn’t know yet just how much money the project will receive.

The project grew out of a homelessness task force that has been meeting on the North Shore for about a year and a half.

“This is sort of springing from that soil,” DeFranza said. “It’s going to take two existing rooming houses in Salem — 43 Boston St. and 179 Boston St. — and make dramatic physical improvements to those buildings.”

There are currently 37 rooms in the two buildings. Once the project is finished, the buildings will house 26 studio apartments tailored for formerly homeless individuals. All 26 units will be reserved for people making less than 30 percent of the area’s median income.

Lifebridge, the nonprofit that runs the shelter for the homeless in downtown Salem, is a partner in the project.

“They’re going to provide the case management services,” DeFranza said. “We do the development and run the property, but we bring in partners to provide services.”

The state grant is one of several funding sources for the $6.5 million project.

“The (Community Preservation Act) funded it and the city of Salem funded it,” DeFranza said. “It was funded with North Shore Home Consortium funds. It also has a redevelopment loan from CEDAC (the Community Economic Development Assistance Corp.).”

The City Council voted earlier this year to approve $59,000 in funding from CPA funds. The money comes from a small surcharge on property taxes that is dedicated to historic preservation, open space and affordable housing.

This project represents one of the best ways to fight against homelessness, said DeFranza.

“Creating (good quality) affordable housing is the key method for making it possible for those who are homeless to be housed again,” he said. “You have to create housing they can afford with their income levels and have the services that allow them independence.”

The homelessness task force, meanwhile, “created the space to help allow solutions addressing that problem,” he continued. “This is one of the mechanisms to address the problem in the region.”

The Beverly-Salem Mayors Regional Task Force on Homelessness began meeting in December of 2014, bringing together local officials, law enforcement and social service agencies to come up with solutions to the problems of homelessness.

http://www.salemnews.com/news/local_news/state-grant-to-benefit-boston-street-affordable-housing/article_f9bbd37a-d9d1-5b57-9094-b5549fba1581.html

SourceThe Salem News

Baker Administration Announces Affordable Housing Development Awards

Baker Administration Announces Affordable Housing Development Awards

Aug 16, 2016

The Baker Administration announced awards to fund the development, renovation and preservation of affordable rental housing across the commonwealth on Monday. The money will be used to create or preserve 1,420 housing units.

“These affordable housing awards reflect our administration’s commitment to a stronger, more prosperous and more inclusive commonwealth,” Gov. Charlie Baker said in a statement. “By increasing affordable housing production, and stabilizing working families, low-income senior citizens and homeless families or those at risk, these housing awards will strengthen communities across Massachusetts.”

The announcement was made at48 Boylston St. in Boston, a historic rehabilitation project for formerly homeless residents sponsored by St. Francis House and the Archdiocese of Boston’s Planning Office for Urban Affairs.

The 26 projects awarded will create or preserve 1,420 rental units, including 1,334 affordable units, across 16 Massachusetts communities. The Department of Housing and Community Development is awarding over $31 million in state and federal low-income housing tax credits, which will generate over $218 million in equity for these projects. Additionally, the administration is awarding over $59 million in housing subsidy funds, including federal HOME funds and state capital funds, across the 26 projects.

Projects will serve a wide variety of constituents, including individuals and families transitioning out of homelessness, persons with disabilities and the elderly. Four projects are focused on senior housing, five will provide supportive services to residents and all 26 will include deeply affordable units. The Baker Administration prioritized applications that included a 10 percent allotment for individuals and families who are, or are at risk of becoming, homeless.

In May, the administration unveiled a five-year capital budget plan that includes a $1.1 billion commitment to increasing housing production, an 18 percent funding increase for mixed-income housing production, and affordable housing preservation. In May, the Administration and MassHousing committed $100 million, to support the construction of 1,000 new workforce housing units. Since 2015, the administration has provided funding to create and preserve 2,856 units of affordable housing, including 874 deeply affordable units for at-risk populations.

“St. Francis House is a perfect example of an organization committed to ending homelessness for individuals and families by providing safe and affordable housing and meeting the full needs of their tenants,” Secretary of Health and Human Services Marylou Sudders said in a statement. “These awards will help support vulnerable citizens in the commonwealth.”

The award will include 46 units of affordable housing at the former Boston Young Men’s Christian Union building at 48 Boylston St. The state Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) will support the project with federal and state low income housing tax credits that will leverage about $11.8 million in equity and $4 million in subsidies from DHCD.

St. Francis House and the Planning Office for Urban Affairs of the Archdiocese of Boston (POUA) purchased the building in April of this year, and the two entities plan to rehabilitate the historic, but presently vacant, building into affordable housing. The completed development will include units reserved for people who have experienced homelessness and others with very modest incomes. Twenty-six of the units will be reserved for individuals earning less than 30 percent of the area median income.

http://www.bankerandtradesman.com/2016/08/baker-administration-announces-affordable-housing-development-awards/?utm_campaign=Daily&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&utm_content=32993672&_hsenc=p2ANqtz–woMwC9tdw1LL0nM3nVUjpGZiEBsgWYlAEcRRKX6X3ayEg2HKd5ApDSeOlMqj2Htb1gcX8fC21aE0TX-lg-QSNdkdiZw&_hsmi=32993672

SourceBanker & Tradesman