Tag: supportive housing

Sisters of Providence celebrate grand opening of Hillside Residence

The grand opening of Hillside Residence in West Springfield took place on Friday, Sept. 27 at 10:30 a.m. at the former location of Brightside.

This innovative, health care-integrated housing model offers 36 rental units for low income elders. It was a development completed by the Sisters of Providence. Sister Kathleen Popko, president of the Sisters of Providence, said the project began more than 10 years ago with the closing of Brightside for Families and Children. She said the Sisters of Providence were looking to the future and how they could use the 27-acre campus most effectively to serve the community.

“So it is an exciting day for us and it has been a tremendous amount of work. Here is a way to demonstrate that collaboration and working together can lead to wonderful results that benefit the common good of the community,” said Sister Popko.

The Sisters of Providence had the 77,000-square-foot De Paul Center, which was the administration building for Brightside and now contains several health-related groups including Mercy Life. Mercy Life, a Medicare/Medicaid program will be providing the health services for occupants of Hillside Residence. Sister Popko said she was pleased to celebrate the grand opening of Hillside Residence on the feast of St. Vincent De Paul, the patron saint of the Sisters of Providence.

“St. Vincent (de Paul) was noted for his care of the poor, the orphan, the neglected, the people who are on the streets, and we live out that charism. I feel that this project reflects that commitment to those who are most in need,” said Sister Popko.

Hillside Residence received funding and support from both public and private entities and was awarded state and federal funds from the Housing Stabilization Fund, the National Housing Trust Fund, Housing Innovation Fund Program and Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program project-based subsidies. In addition, grants from the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation and West Springfield’s Community Preservation Committee contributed to the funding for the $9.2 million project.

West Springfield Mayor William Reichelt joined other local and state leaders at the grand opening. Mayor Reichelt first became involved with the project in 2012 when he was a member of the Community Preservation Committee. He said the Sisters of Providence, especially Sister Popko, have been tenacious in tracking down funds to make the development happen.

“West Springfield is becoming an age-friendly community. That is our goal, to keep our residents here. If they do need services and are not able to stay in their home this is a great option for them. The sisters run a great program anyway, but to incorporate this as well is a huge asset for West Springfield,” Mayor Reichelt said.

“Affordable care, especially in 2019, it is tough, housing is tough. So, to have that care and housing all in one piece and be in West Springfield, it’s a huge bonus. We are very excited,” he said.

Mercy Life is a PACE program (Program for All-inclusive Care for the Elderly). Hillside Residence will over time add to research on the effectiveness of the health care offered to occupants of this community. This data will assist housing developers and healthcare providers to understand the benefits of the PACE integrated housing model.

Major donors and individuals involved with Hillside Residence were in attendance at the grand opening. Also, many elected officials and dignitaries from the Department of Housing and Community Development, the Massachusetts Office of Elder Affairs and the Community Economic Development Assistance Corporation offered comments during the event.

“That is a true, true, true gift to somebody aging with chronic illness. Hillside Residence also creates an environment that will provide the essential elements of home, familiarity, comfort, and a sense of belonging, where independence is valued and changing needs are met. Bravo for the respite units that you have here,” said Elizabeth Chen, the state secretary of the Executive Office of Elder Affairs.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, Sister Popko asked all of the Sisters of Providence present to stand for recognition. Springfield Bishop Mitchell T. Rozanski blessed the Hillside Residence building with holy water and offered a prayer. Everyone was then asked to go inside as Sister Popko was surprised with the unveiling of her portrait and a plaque dedicating the building in her honor. A reception later took place while tours were offered of the units and community rooms.

A video version of this story will be featured on an upcoming edition of “Real to Reel” which airs Saturday evenings at 7 p.m. on WWLP-22 NEWS and in the Berkshires Sunday mornings at 5:30 on Albany’s Fox 23, WXXA.

SourceiObserve Catholic Communications News

Affordable Housing Finance Magazine 2019 Readers’ Choice Award: Historic Rehab Category – The Union at 48 Boylston

We are excited to announce that The Union at 48 Boylston was chosen as the historic rehab winner in Affordable Housing Finance magazines 2019 Readers’ Choice Awards!

The Union at 48 Boylston was the result of a partnership between St. Francis House, the largest multi-service center for adults experiencing homelessness in the City of Boston, and the Planning Office for Urban Affairs (POUA).

Purchased in 2016, 48 Boylston has since been completely redeveloped by St. Francis House and POUA to provide much needed affordable housing in the community, creating 46 units of affordable housing. The completed development includes units to serve people who have experienced homelessness and others with very modest incomes. Twenty-six of the units are reserved for individuals earning less than 30% of the area median income.

Man stands in his kitchen in The Union at 48 looking happy and comfortable
Stephen has been a happy resident of The Union since May 2019. “Feeling at home… there’s just nothing like it. I have my own couch, I have my own bed. I get to put art on my walls. It doesn’t get any better than this.”

A designated Boston Landmark listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the building was constructed in 1875 and was originally operated by the Boston Young Men’s Christian Union (BYMCU) for more than 150 years to provide a variety of social, recreational and service programs. In keeping with the building’s history, the 48 Boylston development will also provide benefits beyond housing including new employment training opportunities through a partnership with The Urban Hound, a dog day care facility, and the ability to establish a brand-new recovery support center at St. Francis House.

Taken together, this building project has not only created critical affordable housing, but has opened the doors for St. Francis House to explore and implement new employment training and expand our social services for the vulnerable populations of Boston.

Read more about the AHF 2019 Readers Choice Awards: https://www.housingfinance.com/developments/ahf-announces-2019-readers-choice-award-winners_o

St. Francis House is excited to attend the AHF Live: 2019 Affordable Housing Developers Summit and award ceremony November 18 – 20 at the Hyatt Regency in Chicago.

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Developers: Planning Office for Urban Affairs and St. Francis House

Architect: The Architectural Team

General Contractor: Gilbane Construction

Major Funders: Bank of America Merrill Lynch; commonwealth of Massachusetts (Department of Housing and Community Development, Community Economic Development Assistance Corp., and MassHousing); city of Boston (Department of Neighborhood Development and Neighborhood Housing Trust); Massachusetts Historical Commission; National Park Service; Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston; Eastern Bank

SourceSt. Francis House

Baker-Polito Administration Advances Production and Preservation of 1,500 Housing Units Across Commonwealth

Today, Governor Charlie Baker announced the 2019 Affordable Rental Housing Awards. Today’s awards will support the preservation and production of 1,581 rental units, including 1,349 affordable units. This includes 273 units that will be reserved for extremely low-income households.

Today’s awards will advance three transit-oriented projects, five projects for seniors, and two projects that will significantly rehabilitate public housing. Affordable rental housing awards have led to the production, renovation and preservation of more than 7,800 housing units, representing nearly half of all the housing units supported by the Baker-Polito Administration since 2015 though funding mechanisms like the MassWorks Infrastructure Awards Program, the Housing Development Incentive Program and more.

“We are pleased to announce these Affordable Rental Housing Awards to advance the production and preservation of more than 1,500 rental housing units throughout the state,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “Our administration has already invested more than $1 billion in affordable housing and we look forward to working with our colleagues in the Legislature to pass our Housing Choice bill to facilitate the production of more new housing units in communities across Massachusetts.”

“Each housing unit advanced today will benefit entire communities, by bringing more people to downtowns, transforming long-vacant properties, and providing new customers for local businesses,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “Housing is both a valuable tool and critical precursor for economic development, and these projects will provide stability to many households in need. Congratulations to all of today’s awardees.”

The Department of Housing and Community Development is awarding nearly $80 million in direct subsidies from seven state bond accounts and federal HOME funds, and allocating $38 million in state and federal Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) to 28 projects. The tax credit allocations will generate more than $260 million in equity to support these projects. Massachusetts is one of just 17 states to offer a state tax-credit program to complement the federal LIHTC program to support the development and rehabilitation of affordable housing.

“The housing crisis in Massachusetts has far reaching effects on our Commonwealth, and is a major obstacle to long-term growth,” said Housing and Economic Development Secretary Mike Kennealy. “Our workforce and low-income households need more housing options that connect them to employment opportunities, transportation and amenities. Our administration is proud to support today’s projects, which will further diversify our housing portfolio and help more families access stable housing.”

“Housing that meets the needs of residents is the foundation for thriving communities, supporting strong neighborhoods and vibrant downtowns,” Housing and Community Development Undersecretary Janelle Chan. “Today’s awards enable the creation of housing for low-income families, seniors, and individuals, including those transitioning out of homelessness. These high-impact projects will bring new residents to Fitchburg, Gloucester, and Methuen’s downtown districts, redevelop vacant school properties in Southbridge, Swampscott and Taunton, and leverage town-owned land in Williamstown. This is just a sample of the amazing developments we are supporting, all of which will benefit thousands of residents upon their completion.”

Governor Baker joined Housing and Economic Development Secretary Mike Kennealy, Housing and Community Development Undersecretary Janelle Chan and local leaders to announce the awards in Swampscott, near the site of the future Senior Residence at the Machon, which received funding today. The project will redevelop a vacant elementary school into 38 affordable rental units for seniors, with eight units reserved for extremely low-income seniors. The developer, B’Nai B’rith, will also provide long-term services at the site to support residents. DHCD is supporting the project with a federal LIHTC allocation and direct subsidy funding.

“A few years back the Town of Swampscott took an important step in making the former Machon Elementary School available for affordable housing. Together with a strong partner in B’nai B’rith Housing and the required financial support from the Baker Administration, 38 units of very affordable senior housing are becoming a reality in Swampscott,” said Peter Spellios, Chair of the Swampscott Select Board. “The need for affordable housing in every community is real. By supporting the Senior Residences at Machon in his hometown of Swampscott, Governor Baker is setting an important example for all communities. We are grateful for his leadership and support.”

“We are so grateful for the State’s support and for our partnership with the Town of Swampscott to bring much-needed affordable housing to seniors and older adults in Swampscott,” said Susan Gittelman, Executive Director B’nai B’rith Housing. “Seniors and older adults are a fast growing demographic, and we believe this community development will help fill the need for affordable housing in Massachusetts.”

“With the current high demand for housing, unlocking the potential of developments like this is of paramount importance,” said Senator Brendan Crighton. “This project perfectly combines the need for senior housing with an unutilized building ripe for redevelopment and reuse.”

“This project is an excellent use of the Old Machon School building, supporting seniors who increasingly cannot afford Massachusetts’ skyrocketing housing costs,” said Representative Lori Ehrlich. “I am grateful to the administration for including this project in its award round, and I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues and the administration to reduce housing costs on the North Shore and increase the supply of housing options.”

Today’s awards further the Baker-Polito Administration’s efforts to increase significant housing production across the Commonwealth, including affordable and market-rate housing. Since 2015, the administration has injected more than $1 billion in affordable housing, resulting 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 11,000 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.

In February 2019, Governor Baker refiled the Housing Choice legislation to deliver necessary, targeted zoning reform to benefit communities pursuing new housing production and support the administration’s goal of producing 135,000 new housing units by 2025. In May, Governor Baker, Lt. Governor Polito, and Housing and Economic Development Secretary Mike Kennealy testified in support of the legislation in front of the Joint Committee on Housing.

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Cabot Street (Beverly) is an existing single-room occupancy (SRO) project located in the city’s central business district. The sponsor is the non-profit YMCA of the North Shore. The project will rehabilitate 45 existing SRO units and construct 24 new SRO units. DHCD will support the project with federal and state low-income housing tax credits (LIHTC) as well as subsidy funds. The City of Beverly will also support the project with local funding. When construction is completed, Cabot Street will offer 69 total SRO units. All units will be restricted for individuals earning less than 60% of area median income (AMI), with 20 units further restricted for individuals earning less than 30% of AMI.

Bartlett Station Building A (Boston) is part of a multi-phase redevelopment of a former MBTA lot in Roxbury. The sponsor is the non-profit Nuestra Comunidad Development Corporation. DHCD will support the project with LIHTC and subsidy funds, and the City of Boston also will support the project with local funding. When completed, this phase of Bartlett Station will offer 42 new rental units. Thirty units will be affordable to households earning less than 60% of AMI. Twelve units will be further restricted for extremely low-income households earning less than 30% of AMI. When fully redeveloped, Bartlett Station will transform an underutilized urban site into a mixed-use, mixed-income, mixed-tenure community, with over 300 new homes – affordable, workforce and market rate – and space for community activities and commercial and retail businesses.

Dudley Terrace Apartments (Boston) is an existing scattered-site occupied project located in the Dorchester neighborhood. The sponsor is the non-profit Dorchester Bay Economic Development Corporation. The project will fully renovate 56 rental units. DHCD will support the project with LIHTC and subsidy funds, and the City of Boston will support the project with additional local funding. When completed, Dudley Terrace Apartments will offer 56 units of affordable rental housing to households earning less than 60% of AMI. Twenty units will be further restricted for extremely low-income households earning less than 30% of AMI, including formerly homeless households.

Holtzer Park (Boston) is a new construction transit-oriented housing project for families located in the Jamaica Plain neighborhood. The sponsor is the non-profit Urban Edge. DHCD will support the project with federal and state LIHTC and subsidy funds. The City of Boston will support the project with additional local funding. When completed, Holtzer Park will offer 62 new rental units. Fifty-four units will be reserved for households earning less than 60% of AMI, including thirteen units further restricted for households earning less than 30% of AMI, including formerly homeless households.

Old Colony Phase Three B4 (Boston) is part of the ongoing redevelopment of an 840+ unit public housing project in the South Boston neighborhood. The sponsor, Beacon Communities, is working with the Boston Housing Authority (BHA). DHCD will support this phase of Old Colony with federal and state LIHTC and subsidy funds with additional support from the City of Boston with local funding. The project is transit-oriented and located in proximity to extensive park and recreation areas and Boston Harbor beaches. When completed, this phase of Old Colony will offer 88 total units. All units will be affordable to households earning less than 60% of AMI. Nine units will be further restricted for extremely low-income households earning less than 30% of AMI, including formerly homeless families.

Old Colony Phase Three B9 (Boston) is also part of the ongoing redevelopment of an 840+ unit public housing project located in South Boston. The sponsor is Beacon Communities, working with the Boston Housing Authority (BHA). DHCD will support this phase of Old Colony with federal low-income housing tax credits and subsidy funds. The city of Boston also will support this phase with funds. The project is transit-oriented and located in close proximity to extensive park and recreation areas and Boston Harbor beaches. When completed, this phase of Old Colony will offer 27 total units affordable to households earning less than 60% of AMI. Three units will be further restricted for extremely low-income households earning less than 30% of AMI, including formerly homeless families.

Olmsted Green Rental Phase IV (Boston) is a new construction project and one of the final phases of the redevelopment of the former Boston State Hospital site located in the Mattapan neighborhood. Sponsored by the New Boston Fund, this phase of the project will offer 47 total units. Forty units will be restricted to households earning less than 60% of AMI with eight units further restricted to households earning less than 30% of AMI, including formerly homeless households. DHCD will support the project with LIHTC and subsidy funds, and the City of Boston also will provide additional funding.

Parcel 25 Phase 2 (Boston) is a new construction transit-oriented housing project for families located in the Mission Hill neighborhood. The project will be located one block from an MBTA subway stop and several major bus routes. The sponsor is the non-profit Mission Hill Neighborhood Housing Services. DHCD will support the project with federal and state LIHTC and subsidy funds. The City of Boston will also support the project with local funding. When completed, Parcel 25 Phase 2 will offer 46 total units. Forty-three units will be affordable to households earning less than 60% of AMI, including eight units further restricted for extremely low-income families earning less than 30% of AMI, including formerly homeless families.

Whittier Choice Neighborhood Phase 2 (Boston) is part of the ongoing major redevelopment of a significant public housing project in need of significant rehabilitation. The sponsor is the non-profit Preservation of Affordable Housing. This new construction phase of the project will be located on a site near Melnea Cass Boulevard and Tremont Street. DHCD will support this phase of Whittier with federal and state LIHTC and subsidy funds. The City of Boston also will support the project with local funding. When completed, this phase of Whittier will offer 52 new rental units. Thirty-one units will be restricted for households earning less than 60% of AMI. Six units will be further restricted for households earning less than 30% of AMI, including formerly homeless families.

St. Therese Condo I (Everett) is part of a two-phase new construction project. The non-profit sponsor is The Neighborhood Developers (TND). The two-phase project consists of the redevelopment of a site as low-income housing with services for seniors. DHCD will support the project with low-income housing tax credits and subsidy funds. The city of Everett also will support the project with funds. When completed, St. Therese Condo I will feature 44 units, all of which will be affordable to seniors earning less than 60% of AMI. Eight units will be further restricted for extremely low-income seniors earning less than 30% of AMI, including formerly homeless seniors.

St. Therese Condo II also is part of a two-phase new construction project in Everett. The non-profit sponsor is The Neighborhood Developers (TND). The two-phase project consists of the redevelopment of a site as low-income housing with services for seniors. DHCD will support the project with low-income housing tax credits and subsidy funds. The city of Everett also will provide support for the project with funds. When completed, St. Therese Condo II will feature 33 units, all of which will be affordable to seniors earning less than 60% of AMI. Six units will be further restricted for extremely low-income seniors earning less than 30% of AMI.

Megansett Crossing (Falmouth) is a new construction housing project for families. The sponsor is Michael Galasso (Megansett Crossing LLC). DHCD will support the project with subsidy funds. The town of Falmouth also will support the project with Community Preservation Act funds. When completed, Megansett Crossing will offer 10 total units, three of which will be affordable for families earning less than 80% of AMI.

Moran Square Redevelopment (Fitchburg) is a housing project involving the adaptive re-use of two historic buildings and the construction of a new five-story building. The project will create new mixed-income units and commercial/retail space in downtown Fitchburg. The project sponsor is Jon Rudzinski (Rees-Larkin Development LLC). DHCD will support the project with federal and state LIHTC and subsidy funds, and the City of Fitchburg will support the project with local HOME funds. When completed, the project will offer 44 new rental units. Twenty units will be affordable to households earning less than 60% of AMI, with five units further restricted for extremely low-income households earning less than 30% of AMI.

Harbor Village (Gloucester) is a mixed-use project consisting of affordable rental units and ground-floor commercial/retail space in the city’s downtown district. The sponsor is the non-profit North Shore Community Development Coalition. The Department will support the project with federal LIHTC and subsidy funds, and the City of Gloucester also will support the project with local funds, including Community Preservation Act funds. When completed, the project will offer 30 new units. All 30 units will be affordable to households earning less than 60% of AMI, with eight units further restricted for extremely low-income households earning less than 30% of AMI.

Depot Village (Hanson) is a new construction housing project for families. The sponsor is Dakota Properties. DHCD will support the project with federal and state LIHTC and subsidy funds. When completed, Depot Village, located near an MBTA commuter rail stop, will create 48 new rental units. All 48 units will be affordable to households earning less than 60% of AMI, including five units further restricted for extremely low-income households earning less than 30% of AMI.

PAC 10 Lofts Phase II (Lawrence) is the continuation of the adaptive re-use of a historic mill project.  The sponsor is Reed Community Partners, LLC. DHCD will support the project with federal and state LIHTC and subsidy funds. The City of Lawrence will support the project with local funding. The completed project will offer 96 new rental units. Sixty-three units will be affordable to households earning less than 60% of AMI, with ten units further restricted for extremely low-income households earning less than 30% of AMI.

Sirk and Chestnut Square Redevelopment (Lowell) is a preservation project with two existing occupied projects in need of rehabilitation. The non-profit sponsor is The Caleb Foundation. DHCD will support the rehabilitation of the properties with LIHTC and project-based rental assistance. When the rehabilitation work is completed, Sirk and Chestnut Square will offer 87 total units. Seventy-one units will be restricted for individuals or families earning less than 60% of AMI, with eight units further restricted for extremely low-income households earning less than 30% of AMI.

Lunenburg Senior Living (Lunenberg) is a new construction housing project located on the site of a former amusement park. The sponsor is Great Bridge Properties. The sponsor already has completed two successful phases of affordable rental housing on the Lunenburg site. DHCD will support the project with LIHTC and subsidy funds. When completed, Lunenburg Senior Living will offer 70 new rental units for seniors. Fifty-six units will be restricted for seniors earning less than 60% of AMI, with eight units further restricted for extremely low-income seniors earning less than 30% of AMI. Support services will be available at Lunenburg Senior Living.

Broadway Building (Methuen) is a new construction housing project for families to be built in downtown Methuen. The sponsor is DS Development LLC. DHCD will support the project with federal and state LIHTC and subsidy funds, and the City of Methuen will support the project with local HOME funds. When completed, Broadway Building will offer 40 new rental units, all of which will be affordable to households earning less than 60% of AMI. Four units will further be restricted for extremely low-income households earning less than 30% of AMI.

The Tannery (Peabody) is an existing occupied housing project. Winn Development will purchase and rehabilitate the project as DHCD’s designee under provisions of the state’s preservation law, Chapter 40T. DHCD will support the project with federal and state LIHTC and subsidy funds. MassHousing will also support the project, which was originally financed through Chapter 13A, with subsidy funds. In addition, the City of Peabody will also provide local funding. When rehabilitation is complete, the Tannery will offer 284 total units, with 200 units reserved for households earning less than 60% of AMI. Thirty-five units will be further restricted for households earning less than 30% of AMI.

Terrapin Ridge (Sandwich) is a new construction housing project for families. The Women’s Institute is the non-profit sponsor. DHCD will support the project with LIHTC and subsidy funds. The Town of Sandwich will support the project with $1.4 million in Community Preservation Act funds. When completed, Terrapin Ridge will offer 30 new rental units. All units will be restricted for households earning less than 60% of AMI, with 14 units further restricted for extremely low-income households earning less than 30% of AMI.

Lawson Green (Scituate) is a new construction housing project for seniors located next to the newly renovated and expanded public library. The sponsor is The Grantham Group, LLC. DHCD will support the project with federal LIHTC and subsidy funds, and the Town of Scituate will support the project with $2.5 million in Community Preservation Act funds. When completed, Lawson Green will offer 30 new rental units, all of which will be affordable to senior households earning less than 60% of AMI. Eight units will be further restricted for extremely low-income senior households earning less than 30% of AMI. Support services for seniors will be available at Lawson Green.

Wells School Apartments (Southbridge) is the adaptive reuse of a former Southbridge school into affordable housing for residents age 55 and over. The sponsor is Arch Communities LLC. DHCD will support the project with federal and state LIHTC and subsidy funds. When completed, the project will offer 56 new rental units, all of which will be affordable to households earning less than 60% of AMI. Six units will be further restricted for extremely low-income households earning less than 30% of AMI.

Senior Residences at The Machon (Swampscott) is a redevelopment project of a vacant elementary school located across from a park and near the senior center and high school. The sponsor is the non-profit B’nai B’rith Housing New England, Inc. DHCD will support the project with federal LIHTC and subsidy funds. When completed, the project will offer 38 new rental units, all of which will be affordable to senior households earning less than 60% of AMI. Eight units will be further restricted for extremely low-income senior households earning less than 30% of AMI.  B’nai B’rith will offer support services at the Machon for residents.

Walker School Apartments (Taunton) is a historic rehabilitation project for seniors. The sponsor is the non-profit Affordable Housing and Collaborative Services, Inc. DHCD will support the project with federal and state LIHTC and subsidy funds. The City of Taunton will also provide local funding to support the project. When completed, Walker School Apartments will offer 40 units, all of which will be affordable to seniors earning less than 60% of AMI. Sixteen units will be further restricted for extremely low-income seniors earning less than 30% of AMI. The new residents of the project also will be able to access support services tailored to seniors’ needs.

Cole Avenue (Williamstown) is a new construction housing project on a town-owned, former industrial site located near the Hoosic River. The sponsor is the non-profit Berkshire Housing Development Corp. DHCD will support the project with federal LIHTC and subsidy funds, and the Town of Williamstown will provide additional funds through the Community Preservation Act. When completed, Cole Avenue will offer 41 new rental units. Thirty-eight will be affordable to households earning less than 60% of AMI, with eight units will be further restricted for extremely low-income households earning less than 30% of AMI.

126 Chandler (Worcester) is a new construction and adaptive re-use housing project. The project will revitalize a long-vacant mill building and construct new units in the Piedmont neighborhood of Worcester. The sponsor is the non-profit Worcester Common Ground. DHCD will support the project with federal and state LIHTC and subsidy funds, and the City of Worcester will support the project with local HOME funds. When completed, the project will offer 31 total units, all of which will be affordable to households earning less than 60% of AMI. Nine units will be further restricted for extremely low-income households earning less than 30% of AMI.

Residences at Yarmouth Gardens (Yarmouth) is a new construction project for families. The sponsor is Commonwealth Community Developers, LLC. DHCD will support the project with federal and state LIHTC and subsidy funds, and the Town of Yarmouth will provide $1.2 million in Community Preservation Act funds. When completed, the Residences at Yarmouth Gardens will offer 40 new rental units. All units will be affordable to households earning less than 60% of AMI, with eight units further restricted for households earning less than 30% of AMI.

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SourceOffice of Governor Charlie Baker and Lt. Governor Karyn Polito

Amherst to consider single-room occupancy units along Route 9

The Town Council will convene a special “Open Meeting of the Residents” Monday, June 24, to consider 28 single-room occupancy units along Route 9.

The nonprofit Valley Community Development Corporation of Northampton is requesting $500,000 of the municipality’s Community Preservation Act funds that, if approved, would go towards constructing the units at 132 Northampton Road.

The meeting will be held at Bangs Community Center, located at 70 Boltwood Walk, located off of Main and North Pleasant streets in downtown Amherst, beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Valley Community Development Corporation will make a presentation that night, as will Amherst Community Preservation Act Committee, and the Amherst Affordable Housing Trust.

Abutters to the proposed project and residents have also been invited to make presentations to the Town Council.

“There will be ample time for residents and others to comment. Comments will be limited to 3 minutes. If questions arise that are able to be answered during the meeting, the Town Council President will recognize the person(s) who will respond. All questions will be recorded and, to the extent possible, answers will be provided on the Town’s website within a week,” a meeting notice for the public forum says.

The $500,000 Community Preservation Act fund request by Valley is contingent on Town Council approval.

The Council’s Finance Committee is expected make a recommendation on the CPA funding request the next day, during a June 25 meeting scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m. The full Council is slated to decide whether to approve it on July 1, according to the town’s website.

Valley Community Development Corporation purchased the Northampton Road property in January for $407,500, having secured a mortgage in that amount from Community Economic Development Assistance Corporation.

The CEDAC is a quasi-state agency that describe themselves as “a public-private community development finance institution that provides financial resources and technical expertise for community-based and other non-profit organizations engaged in effective community development in Massachusetts.”

The lending agency’s board chairwoman is Janelle Chan, Undersecretary for Housing and Community Development in the state’s Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development.

CEDAC’s 10-person governing board also includes Beth Rubenstein, Deputy Commissioner, Office of Real Estate, at the state’s Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance.

According to a document prepared by Valley Community Development Corporation on the town’s website, the organization aims to: “Renovate the existing vacant single family house on the site plus construct an addition to accommodate 28 small studio units (approximately 240 sf each) plus common areas and provider office.”

The Valley document states: “The Town of Amherst has conducted extensive community process regarding the issue of homelessness. A Forum on Homelessness (July 2016) attracted several hundred residents. One of the primary strategies identified to address homelessness was the creation of subsidized, small studio apartments with supportive services for low income single adults. There are currently no units of this type in Town.”

An additional “$200,000 to fund architectural fees and energy consulting for SRO project” has been requested via Amherst’s Community Development Block Grant program, the town’s website says.

SourceMassLive

New Affordable Housing Development Opened in Downtown Boston, MA

The building, called the Union, includes forty six new units of housing for people who are currently experiencing homelessness

BOSTON, MA (STL.News) – Building on his commitment to build more affordable housing and end chronic homeslessness in the City of Boston, Mayor Martin J. Walsh Wednesday, May 29, 2019, joined Cardinal Seán Patrick O’Malley, Governor Charlie Baker, President of the Planning Office for Urban Affairs of the Archdiocese Lisa Alberghini, President and CEO of St. Francis House Karen LaFrazia, and residents to celebrate the ribbon cutting for The Union, a historic redevelopment in downtown Boston that creates 46 units of affordable supportive housing.

“The Union represents our belief that every single person in our City deserves compassion, support, and a safe place to call home,” said Mayor Martin J. Walsh.  “This project couldn’t have been possible without the compassionate leadership of The St. Francis House and The Planning Office for Urban Affairs of the Archdiocese, as well as the City and State.”

“The Archdiocese of Boston, through the Planning Office for Urban Affairs, is pleased to have collaborated with St. Francis House as together we received support and assistance from Governor Baker and Mayor Walsh in developing this greatly needed affordable housing,” said Cardinal Seán O’Malley.  “The Union’s new residents, those of limited income and those formerly homeless, now have a home from where they can fully participate in civic and community life.  It is a blessing for the Archdiocese to be able to work with the Commonwealth and the City of Boston to provide sustainable, dependable and affordable housing for people in need.  As we celebrate the successful completion of this project we look forward to further opportunities for continuing the mission of lifting people from the instability and anxiety of not knowing where they will spend the coming day or night to the dignity, respect and confidence of having a home.”

“Our administration remains committed to addressing the Commonwealth’s housing crisis by supporting development at all levels, including boosting affordable housing stock,” said Governor Charlie Baker.  “The Union is a key step toward that goal, and the project’s focus on supporting people struggling with homelessness is crucially important.  We look forward to working with all stakeholders to encourage future development modeled on the successful partnership that made The Union possible.”

This development creates permanent affordable homes for people experiencing homelessness or with low incomes. The Union has 26 units set aside units for people who are currently homeless or have experienced homelessness in the past, and 20 units set aside for residents with incomes at or below 50-60 percent of area median income (households making up to $51,780 a year).  In addition to this new housing, St. Francis House, located across the street, has relocated their administrative offices into the development, will provide the wrap around support services needed to ensure the residents are stable and able to thrive in their new homes.

The new homes at The Union were created by renovating the historic Boston Young Men’s Christian Union, completed in 1875 and designated a Boston Landmark in 1977.  This adaptive reuse of the 48 Boylston Street property was completed to the standards for historic preservation and utilized both Federal Historic Tax Credits and Massachusetts Historic Tax Credits provided by the Massachusetts Historical Commission. Financing was made possible by funding from the City of Boston Neighborhood Housing Trust; the City of Boston Department of Neighborhood Development; the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development; MassHousing; Bank of America Merrill Lynch; the Community Economic Development Assistance Corporation; and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston. Additionally, Eastern Bank is participating in the Bank of America financing.

The Union was developed through a unique partnership between the Planning Office for Urban Affairs (POUA) and St. Francis House, two non-profits rooted in a commitment to social justice and serving others.  With the completion of The Union, POUA has developed nearly 3,000 units of affordable and mixed-income housing, over 1,200 of which are in Boston.

“We are so grateful for our partnership with the Planning Office for Urban Affairs and the extraordinary commitment of the City and Commonwealth for the development of this housing.  Together we are creating an inclusive community where men and women once homeless will live a new life contributing to and enjoying the vitality and prosperity of the neighborhood.” said Karen LaFrazia, President and CEO of St. Francis House.

“Providing housing options for a diverse group of people is key to a vibrant community and illustrates what can happen when we work together for the common good,” said Lisa Alberghini, President of the Planning Office for Urban Affairs.  “We’re grateful to the Commonwealth, the City, our funders and supporters who made this possible, and especially to our partner St. Francis House.”

St. Francis House, which partners with homeless individuals to help them move from the streets and shelters to permanent homes, operates more than 102 units of permanent and supportive housing in downtown Boston.  The Union will help St. Francis House meet the growing need for safe, secure and affordable long-term housing solutions.

Creating new permanent supportive housing like these new units at The Union, are an important component of Boston’s Way Home, the Mayor’s action plan to end veteran and chronic homelessness in Boston.  Permanent supportive housing provides individuals with subsidized rents and individualized support services so that they receive the assistance needed to stay housed.  The housing is designed to build independent living skills and connect people with services such as community-based medical and mental health care, job training and employment services.

“As with many people who end up at the front door of SFH, it has been a long and winding road, filled with pain and shame but ultimately triumph.  I can’t emphasize enough the importance of stable housing for people like me.  The safety and dignity of a home and the support of people that care about you makes all things possible,” said Andrew Moskevich, a resident at The Union.

Over the past five years, the City has transformed its system so that every homeless veteran in Boston has access to shelter and a path to permanent housing. As a result, Boston has the lowest rate of unsheltered homelessness of any major U.S. city, as well as one of the lowest rates of unsheltered veteran homelessness nationally.  Mayor Walsh recently announced that since the inception of the Boston’s Way Home plan to end chronic and veteran homelessness, the City of Boston has housed more than 1,000 homeless veterans.

Since 2016, there has been a 36 percent reduction in veteran homelessness. During that time there has been a 20 percent reduction in the chronically homelessness population and more than 770 chronically homeless individuals have been housed.

SourceSTL.News

Baker-Polito Administration Awards Funding for Seven Affordable Housing Projects for Vulnerable Communities

Today, Lt. Governor Karyn Polito joined Worcester City Manager Edward M. Augustus, Senator Harriette L. Chandler, YWCA of Central Massachusetts Executive Director Linda Cavaioli, and local officials to celebrate the production and preservation of 147 units of supportive housing for vulnerable populations, including homeless families and individuals, veterans, survivors of domestic violence, and individuals with disabilities.

Supportive housing provides residents with social and health services, including childcare, job training, case management, healthcare coordination and more. All 147 units are affordable to low and extremely low-income people. Since 2015, the Baker-Polito Administration has supported the preservation and production of hundreds of supportive housing units.

“Our administration firmly believes that affordable housing is fundamental to our success as a Commonwealth and have been pleased to invest over $1 billion in the affordable housing ecosystem over the last four and a half years and propose Housing Choice legislation that would significantly increase housing production throughout the state,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “We are committed to working with our partners in the legislature to give our communities the tools they need to increase housing production to meet the needs of current and future Massachusetts residents, especially the most vulnerable.”

Today’s awards will fund seven projects, supporting the preservation or production of 147 units of housing with $6 million in grant funding, $2.5 million in federal funding and state project-based housing vouchers. Housing will also provide a myriad of social services tailored to the population, including mental health support, childcare, and accessibility.

“Families and individuals deserve access to the stability that permanent housing offers, and we are pleased that this funding will also give our most vulnerable residents, including veterans and survivors of domestic violence, the supportive services they need to thrive in the face of challenges,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “I’m proud of these efforts to increase the amount of affordable housing for people with the greatest need, and today’s awards are part of a commitment to ensuring Massachusetts is a place where all residents can succeed.”

“We understand the great need for more housing for extremely low-income populations. While there is no one strategy to close the gap, our funding for supportive, permanent housing, is part of the solution, and we are thrilled to support projects across Massachusetts,” said Housing and Economic Development Secretary Mike Kennealy. “We are committed to working with communities and private-sector partners to create pathways to stability for vulnerable populations, through housing, emergency assistance, job training, and social services.”

“Today’s awards will reach families, veterans, survivors of domestic abuse, seniors, and individuals with disabilities in need of reliable, quality housing they can afford,” said Acting Undersecretary of Housing and Community Development Jennifer Maddox. “Our people are our greatest asset, and we will continue to advocate for programming and resources to help residents reach their potential, ensure children have access to permanent housing, and support municipal efforts to create healthy communities.”

“Massachusetts is fortunate in that we have a strong network of non-profit organizations providing quality supportive housing to vulnerable populations throughout the Commonwealth and the kind of public/private infrastructure that helps develop these important projects,” said Roger Herzog, Executive Director of the Community Economic Development Assistance Corporation. “The developments funded today will provide much-needed housing and services to veterans, seniors, survivors of domestic violence, formerly homeless individuals, and more.  CEDAC is honored to work with the Baker-Polito administration, the Department of Housing and Community Development, and our non-profit partners to provide the state bond funds and early stage financing that turns supportive housing projects from an idea into a reality.”

“This incredibly generous award will afford the YWCA Central Massachusetts the opportunity to increase our capacity to serve more women in more effective and efficient space that ultimately helps them achieve independence and economic self-sufficiency,” said Linda Cavaioli, Executive Director of the YWCA of Central Massachusetts.

“I want to thank Governor Baker and Lieutenant Governor Polito for their continued support for Worcester organizations like the YWCA that does invaluable work,” said Worcester Mayor Joseph M. Petty. “Congratulations to Linda Cavaioli and the entire YWCA family on this announcement.  These funds will allow the YWCA to continue and expand the vital work it does every day here in the City of Worcester.”

“Providing supportive housing options to vulnerable populations in our community is a constant priority,” said Worcester City Manager Edward M. Augustus Jr. “We’re excited about the YWCA’s renovation project taking place in the heart of our City and we thank the Baker Polito Administration for their continued investment in producing more supportive housing units across the Commonwealth.”

“The awards that were announced today help communities who need stable housing the most. Stable housing allows people to ground themselves, to build a life, and to grow within their communities,” said Senator Harriette L. Chandler. “I want to thank my housing policy partners in the administration, in the legislature, in local government, and to thank all of the advocates and activists who fight for affordable housing every day.”

“The YWCA of Central Massachusetts continues to empower women and girls to achieve their best,” said Senator Michael O. Moore.  “The renovations made possible through this investment will increase access to many critical programs and services.  Congratulations to the entire team at the YWCA for their ongoing efforts to better the surrounding community, and to provide meaningful opportunities for our neighbors.”

“The YWCA of Central Massachusetts provides our community with valuable housing, education, and health programming,” said Representative Jim O’Day. “Worcester prides itself on investing in programs that support families and foster community, and so I am thrilled to hear of the building renovations, as they expand access to essential services for women and children.”

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 11,000 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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Award Recipients:

123 Crawford St., Boston

This existing 24-unit Single Room Occupancy (SRO) project for formerly homeless individuals is located in the Trotter Garrison neighborhood of Roxbury. DHCD is awarding funds to the Commonwealth Land Trust to repair and upgrade the building’s envelope and major systems. Two live-in staff and case managers will provide intensive supportive services to a high need target population including individuals with major medical and/or mental health challenges.    

112-116 Emerson St., Haverhill

This existing 21-unit project provides permanent, supportive sober housing for homeless elders and individuals with disabilities at three properties and is owned and operated by Emmaus, Inc. DHCD is supporting the project with MRVP vouchers with supportive service funding. These enhanced vouchers will assist Emmaus in providing robust housing supports to both CSPECH and non-CSPECH eligible residents.     

Opening Doors, Lowell

Alternative House provides emergency shelter, transitional and permanent housing to survivors of DV. DHCD’s capital funds will finance the construction of a new eight-unit DV shelter that will accommodate eight women and up to 14 children. Their existing shelter, an aging single-family home, will be sold and the sales proceeds will help defray the cost of the new building.

420, 423, and 445 Broadway, Lowell

This existing 29-unit project consists of three multi-family properties on Broadway in Lowell. DHCD’s funding will allow Common Ground Development Corporation, an affiliate of Community Teamwork, Inc., to undertake exterior improvements to all three buildings, and convert two standard units into accessible units for residents with mobility impairments.  

2033 Ocean St., Marshfield

Marshfield Veterans House will provide supportive housing for eight homeless veterans. With DHCD’s financial support, Neighborworks Southern Massachusetts will convert a town-owned historic property into eight studios and a small archive room for the local historical society. Father Bill’s & MainSpring will provide comprehensive supportive services to the residents.   

26 Moulton St., Randolph

Father Bill’s & MainSpring developed a partnership with Envision Bank to construct 10 studio apartments for homeless veterans on a vacant parcel behind the bank. DHCD will provide state and federal funds to finance the construction. In addition to the land, the bank is providing grant funding. 

One Salem Square, Worcester

The YWCA of Central Massachusetts is renovating its main building in downtown Worcester including an existing SRO program for women, 12 child care classrooms, and its health and fitness program areas. DHCD funds will allow the YWCA to renovate 41 existing SROs and add six more rooms, for a total of 47 units. The organization has undertaken a capital campaign to renovate the non-residential portions of the building.

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SourceOffice of Governor Charlie Baker and Lt. Governor Karyn Polito

Honoring Mel King

On March 14th 2019, the Community Economic Development Assistance Corporation (CEDAC) honored Mel King at its 40th anniversary celebration at the MIT Samberg Conference Center. King — a community organizer, former State Representative, and Adjunct Professor at the Department of Urban Studies and Planning — crafted the state legislation that created CEDAC in 1978. CEDAC is a community development financial institution providing financing and technical assistance to community-based and other non-profit community development organizations in Massachusetts. In addition to Mel King, CEDAC was joined by DUSP Professors Emeriti, Langley Keyes and Tunney Lee, both of whom promoted and led state and local community development activities, including the visioning and creation of CEDAC.

The event’s main program was modeled on DUSP’s ‘lightning talks,’ three-minute presentations that communicate research and work in layperson language to promote sharing and collaboration across groups. The presentations focused on affordable housing preservation; supportive housing; and early education facility development. Speaker teams, composed of current and former CEDAC staff members as well as community partners, addressed the 40 years of engagement and evolution with these fields, future challenges, and the synergistic relationship for non-profits and the communities they represented. Many CEDAC staff members and leadership are DUSP alumni/ae, including Sara Barcan (MCP ’94), Janelle Chan (MCP ’07), and Roger Herzog (MCP ’87).

“Mel King provided the inspiration and vision for the community development movement, with his experiences 40 years ago fighting for community control of development. Mel’s role as an elected official in helping to create a state infrastructure to support community development, including CEDAC, was instrumental,” said Herzog, Executive Director of CEDAC. “The Massachusetts system serves as a national model of community development, and we are honored to have the opportunity to celebrate his contributions as we mark our 40th anniversary.”

The venue for the 40th anniversary event at MIT speaks to the Institute’s role as the space where the idea for a public/private agency that provides technical expertise to non-profit community development organizations was first discussed during the weekly sessions that King hosted for 25 years while teaching at DUSP and leading the MIT Community Fellows Program. These weekly sessions were called the Wednesday Morning Breakfast Group where King cooked breakfast and led discussions between community activists, planners, and students. A regular participant of the sessions, MIT doctoral student, Carl Sussman, became the founding Executive Director of CEDAC and later played a pivotal role launching and leading its affiliated organization, the Children’s Investment Fund, one of the few community development finance institutions across the nation focused exclusively on meeting the physical capital needs of early care and education programs.

The MIT Community Innovators Lab (CoLab), founded in 2007, is the direct MIT descendant of the Community Fellows Program. CoLab facilitates the interchange of knowledge/resources between MIT students and faculty with community organizations, to build practicable models of economic democracy and self-determination. CoLab’s Mel King Community Fellows Program (MKCF), provides participants with an opportunity to examine innovative approaches to development using markets as an arena for pursuing social justice.

“The CoLab’s Mel King Community Fellows Program embodies Mel King’s approach to planning and community development through his championing of cities and the communities that comprise those cities,” said Dayna Cunningham, Executive Director of CoLab and MIT Sloan Alumna (MBA ’04). “The MKCF honors Mel’s legacy by gathering current and future leaders of community-based work and providing them with the space to collaborate, learn, and refine their efforts for a range of social justice pursuits.”

In the 40 years since CEDAC was created, the organization has committed over $402 million in early stage project financing, and has helped to fund the creation or preservation of nearly 50,000 affordable housing units across the Commonwealth. Additionally, CEDAC manages a number of supportive housing bond programs on behalf of the state’s Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), with commitments of more than $490 million over the past thirty years. These bond programs include the Housing Innovations Fund (HIF), the Facilities Consolidation Fund (FCF), and the Community Based Housing (CBH) program.

To learn more about CEDAC’s mission and current projects, click here.

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SourceMIT Urban Planning News

CEDAC Honors Community Leader Mel King

The Community Economic Development Assistance Corporation (CEDAC) honored former State Representative Mel King at its 40th anniversary celebration, held on March 14 at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s (MIT) Samberg Conference Center. King, a legendary community organizer, crafted the state legislation that created CEDAC in 1978. CEDAC is a community development financial institution that provides early stage financing and technical assistance to community-based and other non-profit organizations engaged in effective community development in Massachusetts.

“Mel King provided the inspiration and vision for the community development movement, with his experiences 40 years ago fighting for community control of development. Mel’s role as an elected official in helping to create a state infrastructure to support community development, including CEDAC, was instrumental. This Massachusetts system serves as a national model of community development, and we are honored to have the opportunity to celebrate his contributions as we mark our 40th anniversary,” said Roger Herzog, CEDAC’s executive director.

At the event, representatives from the state’s community development sector provided lightning talks on CEDAC’s three key program areas: affordable housing preservation; supportive housing; and the Children’s Investment Fund. Participants in the program included former CEDAC and Children’s Investment Fund staff members Vince O’Donnell, Charleen Regan, and Mav Pardee; current CEDAC staff members Bill Brauner, Sara Barcan, and Theresa Jordan; and non-profit community partners Leslie Reid of Madison Park Development Corporation, Lisette Le of Vietnamese American Initiative for Development (VietAID), and Gail Fortes of YWCA Southeastern Massachusetts. Governor Charlie Baker offered congratulatory remarks by video.

As a state representative, King sponsored the legislation that was signed by Governor Michael Dukakis and led to CEDAC’s creation in 1978. The venue for the 40th anniversary event at MIT was fitting, since the idea for a public/private agency that provides technical expertise to non-profit community development organizations was first discussed in weekly sessions that King hosted while teaching at MIT’s Department of Urban Planning and Studies and leading the Community Fellows Program there.

In the 40 years since CEDAC was created, the organization has committed over $402 million in early stage project financing, and has helped to fund the creation or preservation of nearly 50,000 affordable housing units across the Commonwealth. Additionally, CEDAC manages a number of supportive housing bond programs on behalf of the state’s Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), with commitments of more than $490 million over the past thirty years. These bond programs include the Housing Innovations Fund (HIF), the Facilities Consolidation Fund (FCF), and the Community Based Housing (CBH) program.

At the same event, the Children’s Investment Fund, an affiliate of CEDAC, presented Judy Cody, executive director of the Beverly Children’s Learning Center (BCLC), with the Mav Pardee Award for Building Quality. The award, which recognizes organizations or individuals working to address the need for physical environments that support high-quality early education, is named after Pardee, who was the Fund’s former program manager. Cody oversaw BCLC’s expansion to a new 16,000 square foot facility that provides safe and affordable early education and care for nearly 160 children in the North Shore region.

“BCLC was one of the first child care facilities to open that utilized grant funding from the Early Education and Out of School Time (EEOST) Capital Fund, and that is because of the tenacity and dedication that Judy Cody demonstrates as executive director,” said Theresa Jordan, Director of Children’s Facilities Finance. “Children’s Investment Fund is proud to honor Judy with the Mav Pardee Award for creating a high-quality early learning environment for low-income children.”

Since it was established in 1990, Children’s Investment Fund has committed $55 million in project financing and state bond resources, and supported the creation or improvement of more than 30,000 child care slots. EEOST is administered by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care in partnership with CEDAC and the Children’s Investment Fund, and it offers child care providers capital resources to develop high-quality early learning facilities.

CEDAC is a Massachusetts community development financial institution that provides predevelopment and acquisition lending along with technical expertise for community-based and other non-profit organizations engaged in effective community development in Massachusetts. CEDAC’s work supports two key building blocks of community development: affordable housing and early education and care. CEDAC is also active in state and national housing preservation policy research and development and is widely recognized as a leader in the non-profit community development industry. For additional information on CEDAC and its current projects, please visit www.cedac.org.

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SourceSouth End News

Roger Herzog Discusses CEDAC’s 40th Anniversary in OA On Air Podcast

This week, Suzanne sits down with Roger Herzog, the executive director of the Community Economic Development Assistance Corporation (CEDAC), about the organization’s 40th anniversary and why they are honoring former State Representative Mel King.

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SourceOA On Air

For 40 Years, CEDAC Has Catalyzed Positive Change

For 40 Years, CEDAC Has Catalyzed Positive Change

Early-Stage Assistance Has Helped Build Housing, Transform Communities

By Roger Herzog

Special to Banker & Tradesman

In 1978, then- state representative Mel King introduced legislation that created the Community Economic Development Assistance Corporation (CEDAC), the nation’s first state agency designed to provide technical assistance to the burgeoning non-profit community development movement.  The idea of such an agency grew out of the Wednesday Morning Breakfast Group meetings convened by Mel at MIT with community activists and planners.  In Boston, the Group’s primary focus was the desire to establish community control over the redevelopment of acres of land in the heart of neighborhoods in the southwest area of the city that the state had taken by eminent domain for an inner belt highway.  The highway was stopped through community activism and by 1978, it had become clear that there was a need for an agency like CEDAC.

In the 40 years since we were established by an act of the legislature, Massachusetts and the community development sector have changed tremendously. And so has CEDAC.  We started as an economic development organization that provided technical assistance to community-based non-profits focused on small business development and job creation. But as the Commonwealth’s economy changed, we’ve evolved into a community development financial institution that provides early stage financing and technical assistance to non-profits seeking to produce and preserve affordable housing and non-profit early education facilities, through our affiliate, Children’s Investment Fund.

While it’s not easy to sum up 40 years of community development work, with its complications and challenges, the best way to share our accomplishments is to look at a sample of some of the non-profit development projects we’ve assisted:

Preserving affordable housing – the Chapman Arms story: since the early 1980s, CEDAC has fought to preserve the long-term affordability of subsidized multifamily housing, which is threatened by the time-limited use restrictions used as part of federal and state financing programs in the 1960s and 1970s.  In 2009, the state passed an affordable housing preservation law, Chapter 40T, which provided the Commonwealth with new tools to monitor and address this expiring use challenge. One of the key tools is purchase rights that allow the Commonwealth’s Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) or its designee to acquire and preserve expiring affordable housing projects if an owner proposes to sell a building.  In 2011, Chapman Arms, in Cambridge’s Harvard Square, became the first major project whose affordability was preserved through the use of Chapter 40T’s purchase rights. CEDAC delivered technical assistance to DHCD and its non-profit designee, Homeowner’s Rehab Inc., as well as a rapid commitment and closing on acquisition financing to preserve this mixed income 50-unit property.

Revitalizing neighborhoods – Northampton’s Live 155: Last year, Way Finders, a community development corporation (CDC) focused on Western Massachusetts, opened Live 155 in Northampton.  The mixed-use, mixed-income, new construction development of 70 apartments has helped to transform an important neighborhood in that city, a gateway into the downtown district.  CEDAC provided $2.6 million in early stage acquisition and predevelopment funding for that project, and similarly provided financing for Lumber Yard Apartments, a project by the Valley CDC across the street. These two projects have spurred significant public investment from the city, the state, and private partners.  This is only one recent example of the effective role of CEDAC’s early stage assistance that supports community non-profits’ transformative efforts.  Boston’s Jackson Square (where the original neighborhood battle against highway construction was waged) and Worcester’s Kilby-Gardner-Hammond are also examples where we’ve worked with community partners to reinvigorate those neighborhoods.

Supporting equitable transit-oriented development – the Residences at Fairmount Station: Late last year, Southwest Boston CDC and their development partner Traggorth Companies opened the Residences at Fairmount Station in Hyde Park, a 27-unit affordable housing development.  The Residences represent equitable transit-oriented development – affordable housing built near the MBTA’s new Fairmount Corridor commuter rail line.  Locations near transit offer opportunities for increased development density, and CEDAC and its financing partners provided $1.2 million in acquisition and predevelopment financing to ensure that low and moderate income residents can access these desirable locations.

CEDAC is celebrating our 40th anniversary at an event this March and we will honor Mel King for both his vision and his belief in the power of people to strengthen their communities.  In the four decades since he introduced that legislation, Massachusetts has evolved into a national model of community development, in large part because of the institutional framework he helped to create.  It’s gratifying for us to look at the innovative projects above and recognize we are carrying on an important legacy.

Roger Herzog is the executive director of the Community Economic Development Assistance Corporation.

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SourceBanker & Tradesman