A $40 million American Recovery and Reinvestment Act grant will allow four Boston Housing Authority (BHA) developments to receive more efficient fittings.
The upgrades will feature new high-efficiency hot water systems and other energy efficient enhancements, according to a statement.
"This is an excellent opportunity for us to improve our residents’ quality of life and to put people back to work," said Mayor Thomas M. Menino. "The city of Boston is leading the way in developing green affordable housing opportunities."
The developments slated for upgrades include the Cathedral housing development in the South End, Plant Court at the Bromley Heath development in Jamaica Plain, the Amory Street Elderly and Disabled development in Jamaica Plain and Phase One of the Old Colony development in South Boston.
Close to $11 million will be used to upgrade 56 units across three buildings at Cathedral, according to a statement. Improvements will include new kitchens and baths, a new high-efficiency heating and hot water system and other energy efficient enhancements. Construction is scheduled to be completed in September 2011.
About $3 million will be used to rehabilitate a severely distressed building at the Bromley-Heath development, according to a statement. Fifteen units will receive green upgrades and new floor plans. Work is scheduled to begin Oct. 6 and to be completed by September 2012.
The nearly $4 million granted to the Amory Street Elderly and Disabled development will be used create a Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) center, according to a statement. In the main building, the project will include renovating approximately 7,000 square feet of former BHA administrative offices into common space and the creation of 12 apartments for an on-site 24 hour care center.
"It’s very exciting to able to provide quality housing and services that can help our elderly residents age in place," BHA Administrator William McGonagle said. "The ARRA funding has allowed us to make upgrades that might not have been possible otherwise."
The remaining $22 million, along with investment from the city of Boston, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, MassHousing working in partnership with the AFL-CIO Housing Investment Trust and private equity investment, will be used to redevelop a portion of Beacon Communities’ Old Colony site into high-efficiency affordable housing for current residents, according to a statement. This will include the demolition of 164 existing distressed units, the construction of 116 new affordable rental units and the construction of a new 10,000-square-foot community center and outdoor recreation space. It is scheduled to be completed in 2012.
