WHAT'S NEW

Construction Complete on Playground at Cote Village - Thank You CPA!

Construction Complete on Playground at Cote Village - Thank You CPA!

We are grateful to the City of Boston's Community Preservation Act for supporting our work and funding the new playground (which finished construction at the end of 2023!) at our Cote Village development, in partnership with Caribbean Integration Community Development, Inc., in Mattapan. We are thrilled for kids both at our development, and throughout the neighborhood, to enjoy the playground! POUA also sends a huge thanks to our team for getting this project done: F & L Landscaping Corporation, UltiPlay Parks & Playgrounds, Kenny G Fencing, and our lead Lanscape Architect Rebecca Bachand.

POUA & CICD Celebrate Morton Station Village Ribbon Cutting in Mattapan!

POUA & CICD Celebrate Morton Station Village Ribbon Cutting in Mattapan!

POUA and our partner Caribbean Integration Community Development were thrilled to celebrate the ribbon cutting of Morton Station Village in Mattapan, 40 units of mixed-income, mixed-tenure housing — 28 rental apartments and 12 affordable homeownership units — for a diverse range of households, with incomes from 30% AMI to 100% AMI. The housing development sits next to the Morton Station MBTA Fairmount Line stop, and will contain significant community space that will be connected to a unique feature—the creation of a new passive Boston Parks’ Department-designed public space to be known as the Steven P. Odom Serenity Garden, with funding provided by the City of Boston’s Community Preservation Act.

We were joined for the dedication by Cardinal Seán O'Malley, Secretary Ed Augustus, the Mayor’s Office of Housing, State Senator Liz Miranda, State Representative Russell Holmes, State Representative Brandy Fluker Oakley, MassHousing, Community Economic Development Assistance Corporation, Bank of America, City Councilor Brian Worrell, team members and community members to celebrate the grand opening on November 3rd. (Photo by Joakeem Gaston) 

Bill Grogan to Speak at Archdiocesan Social Justice Convocation

Bill Grogan to Speak at Archdiocesan Social Justice Convocation

We're thrilled to be included in the Archdiocesan Social Justice Convocation this month, with our President Bill Grogan speaking to the housing crisis. Register, by clicking here, for this free, virtual event.

Daily Table Opens at POUA’s 135 Lafayette Development in Salem

Daily Table Opens at POUA’s 135 Lafayette Development in Salem

We were thrilled that our President Bill Grogan was able to attend the Daily Table ribbon cutting on September 9th in Salem! It's a dream partnership to have an affordable grocery store open at our affordable housing development 135 Lafayette, housing 51 family units, in Salem. Congratulations to the Daily Table team!

Morton Station Village in Mattapan Begins Marketing!

Morton Station Village in Mattapan Begins Marketing!

Morton Station Village rental marketing begins on Thursday August 10th! For more information and to request applications for housing, see the project website here.

Morton Station Village will create 40 units of mixed-income, mixed-tenure housing on a long-vacant site across from the Morton Station train stop in Mattapan, along with green space.

POUA’s Steven P. Odom Serenity Garden Receives CPA Funds

Our Steven P. Odom Serenity Garden at Morton Station Village in Mattapan was recently awarded funds from the City of Boston through the Community Preservation Act! Read more about this, and other projects who received funding, here.

Site Visit with Project Destined Students

Site Visit with Project Destined Students

We were thankful to spend time walking college students from Project Destined and Housing Partnership Network's Affordable Housing Bridge Program through two of our development sites in April - the recently completed Cote Village, and the currently in-construction Morton Station Village, both in Mattapan. POUA is so grateful to be a sponsor for students in this amazing program, and to have the opportunity to introduce students to affordable housing and our work at such an early stage!

Morton Station Village & CommonWealth Builder Program

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Check out MassHousing's video on our Morton Station Village development in Mattapan --  a new rental and homeownership development, in partnership with Caribbean Integration Community Development, that received funding through the CommonWealth Builder Program, which helps create affordable homeownership options in communities of color. 

POUA and Fenway CDC Move Forward to Preserve Our Lady’s Guild House

POUA and Fenway CDC Move Forward to Preserve Our Lady’s Guild House

The Planning Office for Urban Affairs and Fenway Community Development Corporation (Fenway CDC), have signed an option agreement with Our Lady’s Guild House (OLGH), a long-time residential property for women located at 20 Charlesgate West, to purchase the property and preserve the building for permanent affordable housing in the Fenway neighborhood. The decision of the current owners, Our Lady’s Guild House, Inc., to sell the property provides an opportunity for Fenway CDC and the Planning Office to work with the City of Boston to preserve affordable homes in the Fenway neighborhood of Boston.  

With the support of the City’s Mayor’s Office of Housing, the Planning Office and Fenway CDC plan to redevelop the property as 100% permanent affordable housing and have committed to preserving the tenancies of long-term residents. They also plan to invest significantly in rehabilitating and renovating the OLGH property to create housing that is welcoming, inclusive, universally accessible, energy-efficient, supportive of healthy living, and rich in shared amenity spaces for residents. Read more here.

Morton Station Village Construction Update

Morton Station Village Construction Update

Our Morton Station Village project in Mattapan, in partnership with Caribbean Integration Community Development (CICD), reaches its halfway-through construction point. Morton Station Village will create 40 units of mixed-income, mixed-tenure housing on a long-vacant site across from the Morton Station train stop, along with green space which will include the Steven P. Odom serenity garden; this includes 28 rental apartments and 12 affordable homeownership units serving residents with income ranges from 30% Area Median Income (AMI) to 100% AMI. We expect to begin marketing units in Spring 2023, and look forward to welcoming residents later this year!

POUA Accepts AHF Award for Cote Village

POUA Accepts AHF Award for Cote Village

POUA's Director of Real Estate Shaina Korman-Houston and Caribbean Integration Community Development's (CICD's) President Donald Alexis were on hand in Chicago at the Affordable Housing Finance annual conference in November to accept the award for Best Family Housing for Cote Village in Mattapan. We are honored to accept this award, and to be amongst so many outstanding peers in the affordable housing realm!

POUA Celebrates 50th Anniversary at Fundraiser Honoring Lisa Alberghini

POUA Celebrates 50th Anniversary at Fundraiser Honoring Lisa Alberghini

At our 50th Anniversary Fundraiser September 21st, we were grateful to honor Lisa Alberghini for 18 years at the Planning Office, and for all of her work in the affordable and mixed-income housing world. We're incredibly thankful to everyone who supported us this year, and every year, as we raised $400,000 this year!

Click here to see more photos from the event and watch the video from the event thanking Lisa and celebrating the office's 50th anniversary here.

It is an honor for us to have the opportunity to work with amazing teammates, elected officials, community groups, funders, board members, and project team members, and it was wonderful getting to celebrate with everyone in person this year! (Photos by Andy Ryan).

Cote Village Wins Best Family Housing!

Cote Village Wins Best Family Housing!

We are thrilled to announce that our Mattapan development in partnership with Caribbean Integration Community Development, Cote Village, has been chosen as the family category winner in Affordable Housing Finance Magazine's 2022 National Readers’ Choice Awards! Thank you so much to everyone who voted!

BPDA Votes on DEI Disclosures for Article 80 Process

BPDA Votes on DEI Disclosures for Article 80 Process

Our own Amarillys Rodriguez, who serves on the board of Builders of Color Coalition, was on hand as the Boston Planning & Development Agency held a press conference to announce the introduction of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) disclosures as part of the Article 80 process. The BPDA votes on the policy this afternoon.

"As the Builders of Color Coalition, we are pleased to see the City moving forward in increasing access and diversity in Boston's commercial real estate sector," said Colleen Fonseca, the President of BCC. "This proposed policy can empower the development community to highlight and promote innovative solutions to transform commercial real estate into a sector of opportunity and diversity."

Vote for Cote Village for Best Family Housing Through 8/24!

Vote for Cote Village for Best Family Housing Through 8/24!

We are so grateful that Cote Village is nominated for a national Affordable Housing Finance award for Best Family Housing!

You can vote for Cote (under Best Family Housing) BY CLICKING HERE, if you already receive AHF's emails (making sure to type in your email address that their emails come to).

POUA & CICD Celebrate Cote Village Ribbon Cutting in Mattapan

POUA & CICD Celebrate Cote Village Ribbon Cutting in Mattapan

POUA and our partner Caribbean Integration Community Development were thrilled to celebrate the ribbon cutting of Cote Village in Mattapan, 76 units of affordable and workforce housing, commercial space, and community-oriented activity space. We were joined by Cardinal Seán O'Malley, the Mayor’s Office of Housing, State Representative Russell Holmes, the Department of Housing & Community Development, MassHousing, Community Economic Development Assistance Corporation, Bank of America, team members, community members, and residents to celebrate the grand opening on June 28th. (Photo by Andy Ryan)

Open House at Cote Village in Mattapan June 29th

Open House at Cote Village in Mattapan June 29th

Openings at Cote Village Apartments in Mattapan!

Openings at Cote Village Apartments in Mattapan!

We are now accepting applications on a first come first served basis for vacant one-two and three-bedroom homes restricted at 80-100% AMI at Cote Village in Mattapan. Please spread the word! Interested applicants can contact: CoteVillageAptsAD@maloneyproperties.com or 617-209-5447

POUA & CICD Celebrate Morton Station Village Groundbreaking in Mattapan

POUA & CICD Celebrate Morton Station Village Groundbreaking in Mattapan

Thank you to Governor Charlie Baker, Cardinal Seán O'Malley, EOHED, DHCD, City Of Boston, MassHousing, Bank of America, CEDAC, Rep. Holmes, Rep. Fluker-Oakley, City Councilor Brian Worrell, elected officials past and present, team members, and community groups and members, for joining our office & our co-developer Caribbean Integration Community Development to celebrate the Groundbreaking of Morton Station Village in Mattapan Friday! Morton Station Village will create 40 units of mixed-income, mixed-tenure housing on a long-vacant site across from the Morton Station train stop, along with green space. (Photo by Andy Ryan).

Welcome Residents of Cote Village Townhomes, Mattapan

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Thank you so much to the whole Cote Village team that made this development possible, as we celebrate the opening of the first 24 townhomes, with a ribbon cutting event for the remaining 52 units to come in late Spring! Cardinal Seán O’Malley helped welcome the first residents moving into their new homes at Cote Village, a transit-oriented development with Caribbean Integration Community Development that will create 76 new mixed-income residences in Mattapan.

Cardinal Seán O’Malley Helps Welcome Cote Village Townhomes Residents

Cardinal Seán O’Malley Helps Welcome Cote Village Townhomes Residents

On March 1st, Cardinal Seán O'Malley joined POUA President Bill Grogan and our co-developer, Caribbean Integration Community Development's President Donald Alexis, in welcoming residents to their new homes at the townhomes at Cote Village. Twenty-four residents are moving into the townhomes, which is part of the larger Cote Village development, with the remaining 51 units set for completion in Spring 2022. The residents received welcome gift bags, sponsored by Bank of America, containing gift cards and flower arrangements donated by Roche Bros. The Cote Village Development team of POUA and CICD transformed the site of the former Cote Ford car dealership, a property that had been vacant for decades. We'll celebrate the completion of the full development with a ribbon cutting in late Spring 2022!

Daily Table to Open at POUA’s 135 Lafayette in Salem

Daily Table to Open at POUA’s 135 Lafayette in Salem

POUA is excited to lease commercial space at 135 Lafayette, our 51-unit affordable housing development in downtown Salem, to Daily Table nonprofit community grocery stores! Daily Table's mission is to provide nutritious food to communities most in need at prices accessible to all income levels: an average of 30% less than other supermarkets.

By working with a wide range of supplier partners, Daily Table sources high-quality food at low costs and makes it available to everyone, at prices designed for even a SNAP budget. We are thrilled to be partnering with them to expand access to affordable and healthy groceries for our residents and the neighboring community! 

POUA’s Amarillys Rodriguez Joins CHAPA Board

POUA’s Amarillys Rodriguez Joins CHAPA Board

"I’m delighted and honored to join the Board Of Directors at Citizens'​ Housing and Planning Association (CHAPA)," Amarillys says. "I am excited to learn from, support, and work with the CHAPA team and other board members on the important mission of ensuring safe, healthy, and affordable homes for all who live in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. I look forward to bringing the insights, ideas, and energy from my continuing work with the Planning Office for Urban Affairs and on the board of Builders of Color Coalition to CHAPA's work and vice versa because I believe connecting and collaborating is how we build momentum for change and amplify our impact."

Applications for Apartments Open at Cote Village, Mattapan

Cote Village Apartments is pleased to extend the application deadline to January 12, 2022.  Our Mattapan development includes 52 one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments. To apply or receive details about an in-person information session on January 8, please visit the website here. All applications must be submitted online or postmarked no later than January 12, 2022. 

BPDA’s Designation of POUA as Drexel Village Developer

BPDA’s Designation of POUA as Drexel Village Developer

The Boston Planning & Development Agency (BPDA) Board voted to tentatively designate Drexel Village, LLC, consisting of co-developers the Planning Office for Urban Affairs and J. Garland Enterprises, to develop the BPDA and Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT)-owned Crescent Parcel in Roxbury’s Nubian Square. The proposal plans to create a mixed-use development that includes affordable housing and community space across the Crescent Parcel and the neighboring parcel owned by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Boston, as well as parish space for the historic, Roxbury-based St. Katharine Drexel Church. The property is located on a prominent corner at the intersection of Melnea Cass Boulevard and Tremont Street (From press release). View the team's full community presentation here.

Bank of America Better Money Habits Trainings

Bank of America Better Money Habits Trainings

Bank of America's Better Money Habits team recently led two virtual training sessions for residents of our Uphams Crossing development in Dorchester, educating tenants about debt, savings, and homeownership. POUA will expand access to this Bank of America program in the future by offering them across our community portfolio. Read more here in our one-page program description provided in partnership with Bank of America!

POUA’s 150 River Street in Mattapan Receives HUD 202 Funding

HUD 202 funds are geared specifically toward elderly housing projects that enable residents to live independently and age in place, which fits right in line with our plan for 150 River Street. The award will help us to develop the project in two general ways – first, by providing substantive funds for the project’s construction, and second, through rental subsidies that help support long-term operations and resident services.

Eastern Bank Awards POUA a Grant for Health & Housing Initiative

Eastern Bank Awards POUA a Grant for Health & Housing Initiative

We are grateful for Eastern Bank's continued support of our Health & Housing Initiative, our newest program to assess residents’ health needs, and connect our low-income residents and families with supportive services. Eastern Bank recently awarded POUA a generous Community Reinvestment Act grant to help continue to fund this initiative.

Webster Bank Awards POUA a Grant for Health & Housing Initiative

Webster Bank Awards POUA a Grant for Health & Housing Initiative

We are grateful for Webster Bank's continued support of our Health & Housing Initiative, our newest program to assess residents’ health needs, and connect our low-income residents and families with supportive services. Webster Bank recently awarded POUA a generous Community Reinvestment Act grant to help continue to fund this initiative.

POUA & Health Imperatives Receive $1.2 Million Affordable Housing Award

Representatives from the Planning Office for Urban Affairs (“POUA”) and Health Imperatives joined Governor Charlie Baker, Lt. Governor Karyn Polito, Housing and Economic Development Secretary Mike Kennealy and Community Development Undersecretary Jennifer Maddox on July 15 for the announcement of a $1.2 million affordable housing award from the Department of Housing and Community Development (“DHCD”). The DHCD award will support the acquisition and redevelopment of a vacant 8-room residential home into innovative housing with supportive educational programming for survivors of human trafficking and sexual exploitation. This important re-use property will be known as Sanctuary Place.

“The Department of Housing and Community Development’s support is critical in developing a safe, stable and supportive environment for women coming out of the trafficking system,” says Bill Grogan, President of Planning Office for Urban Affairs. “Sanctuary Place will provide housing and holistic services for these women to not just survive, but to thrive in a community environment, with the help of our partners at Health Imperatives, who are experienced in working with this vulnerable population. We appreciate the Commonwealth’s and DHCD’s commitment to provide service-supported resources for targeted housing and services for survivors of trafficking and sexual exploitation.”

“We are honored to partner with POUA to provide a safe and welcoming sanctuary where victims and survivors have meaningful opportunities to build on their strengths and reclaim their power,” says Julia E. Kehoe, President and CEO of Health Imperatives. She continued, “We applaud the Baker-Polito Administration for investing in innovative housing models for people who too often fall through the cracks of the mainstream health and human services system. Human trafficking is the fastest growing criminal enterprise in the United States, and a pervasive issue in Massachusetts. Sanctuary Place will provide community and care to victims and survivors who have no other place to call home.”

The development of Sanctuary Place is a unique collaboration between two highly-experienced non-profit organizations who are coming together to address a critical need in the Commonwealth – the development of service-supported housing for survivors of trafficking and sexual exploitation.

Sanctuary Place builds on both POUA’s experience as the developer of Safe Haven, a residential program for survivors of trafficking completed in 2017 and Health Imperatives’ experience operating an emergency domestic violence shelter, a sexual assault counseling center, programs for young parents, and trauma-informed health care for people at greatest risk of poor health outcomes. Safe Haven was developed in direct response to the recommendations of the Massachusetts Interagency Human Trafficking Policy Task Force. By providing housing and on-site comprehensive and coordinated educational and training services in a supportive manner, Sanctuary Place will assist survivors and other vulnerable and disadvantaged families and individuals in improving their long-term outcomes. Sanctuary Place will work to interrupt generational cycles of poverty and will lead to reductions in homelessness, health disparities, and the incidence of violence and substance misuse. The program will also reduce costs and strain on local health care, child welfare, and criminal justice systems.

With the support of the Commonwealth and DHCD in developing Sanctuary Place, POUA and Health Imperatives will be able to provide up to 8 residential units for survivors and their children, at any given time, where families can live and receive critical supportive and educational services and life skills to improve their health, safety and quality of life. 

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About the Planning Office for Urban Affairs, Inc. The Planning Office for Urban Affairs, Inc. is a social justice ministry affiliated with the Archdiocese of Boston that creates vibrant communities through the development of high quality affordable and mixed income housing and economic development efforts. As a prominent regional non-profit developer and a leading diocesan housing development ministry for the Catholic Church in America, POUA has completed nearly 3,000 units of affordable and mixed- income housing and has undertaken several neighborhood revitalization initiatives in Massachusetts.  

About Health Imperatives. Health Imperatives is a safe and welcoming place for people from every race, ethnicity, culture, gender, sexual orientation, age, ability, and faith. Our mission is to improve the health and well-being of low-income or vulnerable families and individuals in Southeastern Massachusetts. We provide a wide array of trauma-informed healthcare, emergency services, nutrition assistance, and supports to nearly 25,000 individuals each year in 68 cities and towns, including Quincy, Brockton, Plymouth, New Bedford, Wareham, Hyannis, Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantucket.

The Ledges Virtual Ribbon Cutting, Ashland

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The Planning Office for Urban Affairs (POUA) and EA Fish Development recently completed a 64-unit affordable housing development in Ashland, MA called The Ledges. The Ledges provides seniors with much needed housing, just in time for the beginning of a new year and a cold winter, with its opening in January 2021. With a timeline starting in 2005, the team has been resilient and dedicated to increasing affordable housing options for residents in the Ashland area and nearby communities; this development is the culmination of a 15-year public-private partnership between the Town of Ashland, EA Fish Development, and POUA. At least 15 of the 64 units provide homes for local Ashland community members. Watch the virtual ribbon cutting video for more!

UMass Gerontology Institute Blog on POUA Partnership

UMass Gerontology Institute Blog on POUA Partnership

Maria Iacobo recently delved into the partnership between POUA and UMass Boston's Geronotology Institute. See an excerpt below, and read the full article here!

“We’re developers and project managers, not social workers or healthcare providers,” says Amarillys Rodriguez, Development and Policy Project Manager for the Planning Office for Urban Affairs (POUA). “We needed to bridge this gap and have the kind of expertise on hand to help us better understand our residents.”

POUA reached out to the Gerontology Institute at UMass Boston and the two organizations created a graduate assistantship. The opportunity allowed one doctoral student in UMass Boston’s distinguished Gerontology program to help POUA move forward on its Health & Housing Initiative while gaining useful work experience.

What Massachusetts Needs to Know about Prostitution

What Massachusetts Needs to Know about Prostitution

Our partners at our Safehaven development for victims of human trafficking are hosting a webinar on new legislation that protects victims. Sign up here to attend their webinar with more info on June 7th at 11AM.

POUA Welcomes New Board Member PJ Foster

POUA Welcomes New Board Member PJ Foster

The Planning Office for Urban Affairs is excited to announce its newest board member PJ Foster, Senior Vice President at Colliers International. PJ brings her experience in the real estate industry from Colliers International, on the business side, and from Rasky Baerlein, where she previously managed permitting and community relations for development projects.

POUA President Bill Grogan says, “We are thrilled that PJ Foster has joined our board, bringing with her 15 years of real estate experience and finance expertise.”

Current POUA board chair Kevin Tierney echoes that “PJ’s expertise and background will be an incredible resource in overseeing the Planning Office’s growing portfolio and future projects.”

“My passion for real estate is in my genes, and I’m looking forward to bringing my skills to the table as part of the POUA board, and advancing their mission” says PJ Foster.

PJ received her MBA from Babson College in real estate and operations and attended Hobart and William Smith Colleges for her BA, and Newton Country Day School of the Sacred Heart. She has been at Colliers International for 8 years, and currently resides in Dover, MA with her husband and two daughters.

Applications for Townhomes Open at Cote Village in Mattapan

Applications for Townhomes Open at Cote Village in Mattapan

Applications for the Cote Village Townhomes in Mattapan are now available! Check out the website here for more information regarding applications, information sessions, and details about the property. There are 23 units now accepting applications; remaining apartments at Cote Village will be accepting applications around fall of 2021.

Amarillys Rodriguez Hosts Builders of Color Coalition Forum

Amarillys Rodriguez Hosts Builders of Color Coalition Forum

On March 4th, Amarillys Rodriguez of POUA hosted a forum through Builders of Color Coalition called “Developing a Greater Boston,” highlighting opportunities for Boston-area developers to better serve and resource their communities. Presenters included Jefrey DuBard, New Urban Collaborative; Beverly Gallo, Peregrine Urban Initiative; Richard Taylor, Nubian Square Development; Jason Korb, Capstone Communities; and Sean Hope, Hope Real Estate. Watch the video from the virtual forum here.

Vaccination Sites at POUA Properties

Vaccination Sites at POUA Properties

Several of our senior properties have created vaccination clinics on-site to vaccinate residents and staff. Maloney Properties has organized COVID-19 vaccine clinics at senior housing communities across Massachusetts and Vermont to vaccinate elderly residents, including at our Rose Hill Manor (Billerica) and Riley House (Hyde Park) developments. Over a course of three weekends, Peabody Properties staff were able to offer vaccines to all residents and staff. 64 residents and all staff members at Barstow Village in Hanover have been fully vaccinated. We're so grateful for everyone who made it possible to vaccinate our senior residents!

Check out the POUA Winter 2021 E-Newsletter

Check out the POUA Winter 2021 E-Newsletter

Click here to read our latest newsletter to hear about new staff members, properties, and vaccination clinics at our senior developments!

POUA Celebrates 50 Years Providing Affordable & Mixed-Income Housing

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For the past 50 years, the Planning Office for Urban Affairs has provided underserved populations around Massachusetts with stable and affordable places they can call home. We have faced challenges and persevered, with the help of our partners, funders, architects, contractors, property managers and other team members, to give our residents homes that provide a sense of dignity, respect and safety. We are excited to present a summary of our work over the past 50 years – check out this 10-minute video to hear our story, and help us celebrate our success.

 

Residents Move Into The Ledges in Ashland

Residents Move Into The Ledges in Ashland

The Planning Office for Urban Affairs and EA Fish Development recently completed The Ledges, a 64-unit affordable housing development in Ashland, MA. With a timeline starting in 2005, the team has been resilient and dedicated to increasing affordable housing options for residents in the Ashland area and nearby communities; this development is the culmination of a 15-year public-private partnership between the Town of Ashland, EA Fish Development, and POUA. Eight residents who are lined up and ready to move into these new homes will be from the Ashland community.

 

The Ledges will provide a fitness center; a lounge area with shuffleboard, a fireplace, and a crafting area; laundry facilities; on-site parking; on-site management; resident services and activities; and nearby parks and walking trails. The Ledges consists of 15 units at 30% Area Median Income (AMI), 25 units at 50% AMI, and 24 units at 60% AMI.

 

“I’m looking forward to starting the new year in a new and secure home. I’m also looking forward to meeting new people in a community environment that The Ledges provides,” said Jean Delouchry, resident of The Ledges.

 

The Ledges is still accepting applications! Find more information here.

Shaina Korman-Houston Joins POUA as Real Estate Director

Shaina Korman-Houston Joins POUA as Real Estate Director

We are thrilled to welcome Shaina Korman-Houston to the Planning Office, who will be joining us on January 4th as our new Real Estate Director. Shaina has more than 15 years of experience in the development, financing, and asset management of housing for low-income families and senior citizens. In her capacity as Real Estate Director, Shaina will be responsible for actively developing the project pipeline and coordinating projects through all stages of development, including feasibility analyses, financial modeling, assembling tax credit and other financing, managing project development teams, and assembling permitting and regulatory review applications. Prior to joining the Planning Office, Shaina served as Deputy Director at Metro West Collaborative Development, where she oversaw a period of growth in the organization’s real estate development. She has been involved in the development or preservation of nearly 325 units of affordable housing, representing nearly $130 million of investment throughout Eastern Massachusetts. Before moving to Boston, Shaina worked as an Asset Manager for Victory Housing, the nonprofit housing development arm of the Archdiocese of Washington, and as a grant writer for DC Habitat for Humanity. Shaina received her Bachelor of Arts in Government and Jewish Studies from American University and her master’s degree in City and Regional Planning from the University of Carolina at Chapel Hill. Shaina will bring insight and years of experience to the office, and we are excited to have her fill this new role. 

Cote Village Construction Update

Cote Village Construction Update

Construction continues on our Cote Village development in Mattapan, soon to be 76 units of affordable and workforce housing. At Cote Village Apartments, the general contractor is working to set 1st floor wall panels, reinforce the garage structural steel and concrete masonry. On Cote Village Townhomes, two of the buildings (D&E)  have their rough mechanical, electrical and plumping systems in progress, while on the remaining buildings, roofing is nearing completion.

POUA’s The Ledges Finalizing Construction & Accepting Applications

POUA’s The Ledges Finalizing Construction & Accepting Applications

POUA's 62+ affordable housing community in Ashland, set to finish construction in November, is still accepting applications. For more information, and to apply, visit the development's website here. Check out a model unit here!

The Union at 48 Boylston Receives Preservation Massachusetts Award

The Union at 48 Boylston Receives Preservation Massachusetts Award

The Planning Office and St. Francis House (SFH) received a 2020 Charles Eliot award from Preservation Massachusetts for The Union at 48 Boylston, the rehabilitation of the former Boston Young Men’s Christian Union building located at 48 Boylston Street in Boston. Together, we converted the historic downtown building into 46 units of affordable housing, administrative office space for SFH, and commercial space. We are thrilled to celebrate all award recipients with Preservation MA virtually this year. Click here for more information on the awardees and the virtual award celebration in October! 

Barrio Tacos opens at POUA’s Harbor Place

Barrio Tacos opens at POUA’s Harbor Place

On Tuesday, August 4th, owners Dan and Maggie Osborn opened Barrio Tacos, Tequila, and Whiskey, at Haverhill’s Harbor Place to the public, with a ribbon cutting ceremony for local elected officials and team members. The ribbon cutting at 4pm preceded the restaurant’s opening to the public at 6pm. The restaurant falls within the grounds of Harbor Place, a development which combines commercial endeavors and mixed-income housing, created by the team of the Greater Haverhill Foundation (GHF) and the Planning Office for Urban Affairs (POUA). The restaurant contains indoor seating with a unique décor and artwork, and outdoor seating in the plaza area at Harbor Place, along the Merrimack River.

The speaking program for the ribbon cutting was emceed by Dougan Sherwood (Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce), and included speakers Ron Trombley (GHF), Bill Grogan (POUA), Mayor James Fiorentini, State Senator Diana DiZoglio, Representative Andy Vargas, and Barrio owners Dan and Maggie Osborn. Local councilors and representatives in attendance included Representative Lenny Mira, City Council President Melinda Barrett, and City Counselors Tim Jordan, Colin LePage, Joe Bevilacqua, and John Michitson.

“The city of Haverhill is excited to welcome Barrio Tacos to the Harbor Place plaza, joining UMass Lowell, Pentucket Bank, HC Media, and both commercial activities and residential property, along the Merrimack River,” said James J. Fiorentini, Mayor of Haverhill.

“It is terrific to have such a unique restaurant concept come to Harbor Place on the Merrimack,” said Ron Trombley, Managing Director of the Greater Haverhill Foundation, “We’re very excited to experience all of what Barrio will be offering in the coming months.

“Having a family-owned, affordable restaurant become part of the fabric of Harbor Place is truly exciting for us,” said Bill Grogan, President of The Planning Office for Urban Affairs, “Barrio will be a great addition to Harbor Place and its vibrant community of families, businesses and cultural and educational facilities, as well as the Haverhill community as a whole.”

The hours of operation will be Monday-Thursday from 4pm-1am and Friday-Saturday from 11 am-1 am. Masks will be required, and Barrio will meet the safety precautions enforced in Haverhill and Massachusetts.

POUA Asset Manager Co-Chair for Mass. Energy Equity Working Group at the Energy Efficiency Advisory Council (EEAC)

POUA Asset Manager Co-Chair for Mass. Energy Equity Working Group at the Energy Efficiency Advisory Council (EEAC)

The mission of the Planning Office for Urban Affairs (POUA) is to serve as a catalyst for social justice through its work in housing development and neighborhood revitalization. POUA’s Asset Manager, Mary Wambui, will be co-chairing the Massachusetts Energy Equity Working Group at the Energy Efficiency Advisory Council (EEAC), and her work is another way for POUA to effect social justice. The Equity Working Group was established by the EEAC following completion of the Non-participant Study, which found that the energy efficiency programs do not serve every customer equitably. In convening a working group, the council agreed to identify new strategies for increasing equitable participation among underserved communities across the Commonwealth. Massachusetts is the national leader in energy efficiency, and working to lead in energy justice efforts as well.

Mary will also be presenting at the Virtual BuildingEnergy Boston Conference on August 14th 2020. The BuildingEnergy Boston Conference + Trade Show is an event designed by and for practitioners in the fields of high-performance building and design, energy efficiency, and renewable energy. Mary Wambui will speak on Expanding Access to Clean Energy in Affordable Housing along with three other industry experts. This conference and trade show is the region's leading event for professionals and practitioners in the fields of high-performance buildings, energy efficiency, and renewable energy. Please find Mary’s presenter profile here: https://nesea.org/user/16946/presenter

If you’re interested in attending the BuildingEnergy Boston 2020 virtual conference and trade show, Wednesday–Friday, August 12–14 follow this link: https://nesea.org/civicrm/event/register?id=289T

Planning Office for Urban Affairs, Inc. Statement on Racial Justice and Inequity

Planning Office for Urban Affairs, Inc. Statement on Racial Justice and Inequity

In the time since George Floyd’s killing at the hands of police, our country has been filled with grief and righteous anger, sparking protests nationwide. The pain, frustration, and desire for change expressed through these protests reflect a history of racist, white supremacist violence and harassment by police and civilians, leading to the killing or injuring of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and countless others, the disproportionate and often wrongful mass incarceration of thousands, as well as the everyday stress and trauma of living with racism. All of this follows several months of an ongoing pandemic, social distancing, and widespread economic disruption— the health, social, and economic effects of which have also disproportionately fallen on the vulnerable, including elders, essential workers, and Black, Indigenous, and other communities of color.

These related crises reveal, yet again, the deep, historic, and continuing reality of racism and inequality in our country, and the disparities they cause in all facets of life. As Cardinal O’Malley noted:

“George Floyd’s death occurred in the midst of the most catastrophic healthcare crisis in our history. We are all threatened by it. But the African American community has been impacted in numbers far beyond its size in the country. This fact in turn is related to and repeated in other issues of healthcare, employment and housing.”

As a social justice ministry that seeks to create vibrant communities through the development of high quality affordable and mixed-income housing, we know that racial justice and actively addressing the ugly history of segregation, redlining, urban renewal and other discriminatory practices manifested by the housing industry is inextricably linked with our mission. Indeed, Pope Francis said in a recent statement on George Floyd and the protests that “we cannot tolerate or turn a blind eye to racism and exclusion in any form.”

Challenging times like these offer us the opportunity to reflect, reevaluate, and recommit ourselves to doing this work more intentionally. We must resolve that even—especially— after the protests fade and the media coverage subsides, the work continues. The Planning Office for Urban Affairs is as dedicated and committed as ever to approaching our work with a racial justice and equity lens by:

  • Promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and empowerment throughout our staff and leadership.
  • Creating and strengthening new and existing relationships with Minority and Women Business Enterprises through the development and operations of our properties.
  • Incorporating and expanding resident services that support health and socioeconomic mobility and wellbeing at our properties, such as through our health and housing initiative and financial education and savings programs, as well as providing affordable homeownership opportunities.
  • Advocating for city, state, and federal policies and budget priorities that support racial justice, including increasing affordable housing production and funding critical community services.

Through these efforts and others, we will strive to continue listening, learning, and holding ourselves and others accountable to our values. Doing so is how we truly create a world where every person has a safe, affordable home and is free to live a full, healthy life with dignity and respect.

MassHousing Closes $22.6 Million in Financing to Create a New, 76-Unit Affordable Housing Community on Long-Vacant Property in Mattapan

MassHousing Closes $22.6 Million in Financing to Create a New, 76-Unit Affordable Housing Community on Long-Vacant Property in Mattapan

The Planning Office for Urban Affairs and CICD will utilize the MassHousing financing to transform a long-vacant city-owned parcel into an inclusive new affordable housing community, which will house formerly homeless residents, low-income working families, and middle-income households. The new housing is being developed on the site of the former Cote Ford dealership, which has been unused for three decades, and is now within steps of a new commuter rail station.

"Cote Village is going to help transform a neighborhood by taking a blighted, vacant property and creating a new housing community for households with a range of incomes who will be able to live and work in Boston," said MassHousing Executive Director Chrystal Kornegay. "The development of Cote Village is a testament to the vision and tenacity of the Mattapan community and Boston officials, who took a long-vacant parcel and converted it into a true community asset. We congratulate them on this milestone, and we are excited to be part of the team helping to make their vision a reality."

"We are grateful for our long-standing relationship with MassHousing and their strong commitment to affordable and workforce housing. Safe and stable housing has always been important but now more than ever before. People cannot stay at home if they do not have one, and it is incumbent upon all of us to make sure that everyone has a place to call home," said Bill Grogan, President of the Planning Office for Urban Affairs. "The permanent taxable and tax-exempt financing provided by MassHousing has enabled the development of Cote Village and represents an important step in our collective efforts to address the housing need in communities like Mattapan. We are especially grateful to the Commonwealth, the City, our funders, and supporters who have made Cote Village possible."

"This is a real win for Mattapan," said Donald Alexis, President of Caribbean Integration Community Development. "Our goal was to create housing that reflects the needs of the working-class residents in Mattapan and I believe we've accomplished that here."

The Cote Village development will turn the long-vacant property into 76 units of income-restricted, mixed-income housing, with commercial and community space. The development will include 12 units for residents with incomes at or below 30 percent of the area median income (AMI) (earning less than $27,900 for a household of three), including eight units set aside for formerly homeless individuals and families.

The development will also include two units for residents with incomes at or below 50 percent of AMI (earning less than $46,550 for a household of three), 42 units for residents with incomes at or below 60 percent of AMI (earning less than $55,860 for a household of three), 12 workforce units for residents with incomes at or below 80 percent of AMI (earning less than $74,450 for a household of three), and eight workforce units for residents with incomes at or below 100 percent of AMI (earning less than $93,050 for a household of three).

MassHousing is providing affiliates of POUA and CICD with a total of $22.6 million in financing, including $11.4 million in tax-exempt permanent financing, $8.3 million in tax-exempt bridge financing, and $2.4 million in workforce housing funding from MassHousing’s Workforce Housing Initiative. The MassHousing funding also leveraged a total of $22.3 million in state and federal Low Income Housing Tax Credit equity.

Other financing sources include a total of $3.4 million in direct support from the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), $1 million from the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, which MassHousing manages on behalf of DHCD, and a total of $6.9 million in support from the City of Boston's Department of Neighborhood Development. Bank of America is the project's construction lender and tax credit investor.

Cote Village advances the Baker-Polito Administration's goal of creating up to 1,000 new workforce housing units affordable to middle-income households through MassHousing’s Workforce Housing Initiative. Since the inception of the initiative in 2016, MassHousing has committed or closed workforce housing financing totaling $99.7 million, to 45 projects, located in 21 cities and towns, and advanced the development of 4,030 housing units across a range of incomes, including 1,095 workforce housing units.

There will be 17 one-bedroom apartments, 47 two-bedroom apartments and 12 three-bedroom apartments.

The general contractor is Bilt-Rite Construction. The architect is Davis Square Architects and the management agent is Maloney Properties.

MassHousing has financed nine rental housing communities in Mattapan totaling 612 units of housing with an overall original loan amount of $96.6 million. The Agency has also provided home mortgage loans to 8,492 homebuyers and homeowners in Boston with an original purchase principal balance of $1.1 billion.

150 River Street Development Gains BPDA Approval

150 River Street Development Gains BPDA Approval

On Thursday, February 13th, the Planning Office for Urban Affairs (POUA) and Caribbean Integration Community Development (CICD) were excited to gain approval from the Boston Planning & Development Agency (BPDA) for their new project in Mattapan. This is the first step in the process of building developments in the City of Boston. Next step will be obtaining the approval of the zoning board. This proposed development will be 30-units of 100% mixed-income senior housing and is consistent with Plan Mattapan. Plan Mattapan is a City planning initiative that seeks to ensure that we preserve wisely, enhance equitably, and grow inclusively. Through these three principles of “preserve, enhance, and grow,” the City’s planning team will work with the community to create a comprehensive vision for the Mattapan planning area and guide future growth and investment. The Boston Planning & Development Agency (BPDA) approved 625 housing units; 433 will be affordable with income restrictions. The affordable units are in multiple neighborhoods – Roxbury, Mattapan, Chinatown, Brighton, East Boston, S. Boston are among the locations. These projects will also create 845 construction jobs, 99 direct jobs and 451 indirect and induced jobs. Three of the approved developments are fully-affordable projects, located in Chinatown, Brighton, and Mattapan, making progress towards Mayor Martin J. Walsh’s goal of increasing affordable housing to support a strong middle-class.  

Photo from left to right: Stephen Harvey (BPDA), Beverley Johnson (BevCo), Johnathan Garland (J Garland Enterprises LLC, project architect), Bill Grogan (POUA President), Donald Alexis (CICD President), Liz Haney (POUA Project Manager)

Thank You for attending the Cote Village Groundbreaking Ceremony

Thank You for attending the Cote Village Groundbreaking Ceremony

Thank you to everyone who was able to attend the groundbreaking ceremony for the new 76 units of affordable homes in Mattapan, MA! We're grateful and honored to be working with such amazing project partners and supporters. A home is such an important aspect of life. And the holiday season truly reminds us of things to be grateful for. During this special season, we are reminded of the importance of a home. A home serves not only as a shelter from the elements, but also as a foundation in all aspects of life. With housing as one of the largest challenges facing our communities, we look forward to more projects like the Cote Village development. Without the help of all the partners, supporters, and collaborators, these projects would not be possible. We hope to increase the affordable housing options as well as provide opportunity for growth to all.

Cote Village Groundbreaking Ceremony - Wednesday December 18th

Cote Village Groundbreaking Ceremony - Wednesday December 18th

COTE VILLAGE GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18th, 2:30pm

820 CUMMINS HIGHWAY, MATTAPAN, MA 

PLEASE REGISTER FOR THE EVENT HERE: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cote-village-groundbreaking-tickets-81542276143

Cote Village LLC is a unique partnership between two non-profit organizations who share a commitment and vision to increase the affordable housing inventory and generate economic benefits in the development of residential and mixed-used projects in Boston's neighborhoods. The partnership is comprised of the Planning Office for Urban Affairs, Inc. (POUA),and the Caribbean Integration Community Development (CICD), an organization that was created to build a stronger Caribbean Diaspora through the provision of economic opportunity, educational programs and services, and the development of housing in Boston's minority neighborhoods. We have come together to combine our collective expertise and vision in re-developing the former Cote Ford Dealership into a vibrant and welcoming destination that will convert a vacant, abandoned property into a thriving part of the Mattapan neighborhood. POUA and CICD will create a mixed-income, mixed-use development that is comprised of 76 units of affordable and workforce housing, commercial space, and community-oriented activity space. 

Developers: Planning Office for Urban Affairs Caribbean Integration Community Development

Architect: Davis Square Architects

Contractor: Bilt-Rite Construction

Financing: Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Commonwealth of Massachusetts: Department of Housing Community Development and Community of Economic Development Assistance Corporation, City of Boston: Department of Neighborhood Development and Neighborhood Housing Trust, Mass Housing

Owners Representative: WaypointKLA

Development Consultant: Nina Schwarzschild

Attorney: Nixon Peabody LLP

Property Manager: Maloney Properties, Inc

Eastern Bank Becomes POUA Housing & Health Initiative Sponsor

Eastern Bank Becomes POUA Housing & Health Initiative Sponsor

The Eastern Bank foundation recently became a Housing & Health sponsor to help support our efforts connecting our housing communities with healthcare. The POUA Housing & Health Initiative is pivotal for the lives of our residents whom a large percentage come from low-to-moderate income and/or have been previously homeless. 

Affordable Housing Finance Magazine 2019 Readers’ Choice Award: Historic Rehab Category

Affordable Housing Finance Magazine 2019 Readers’ Choice Award: Historic Rehab Category

The Planning Office for Urban Affairs attended the AHF Live: 2019 Affordable Housing Developers Summit and award ceremony in November at the Hyatt Regency in Chicago!

The Union at 48 Boylston was chosen as the historic rehab winner in Affordable Housing Finance magazines 2019 Readers' Choice Awards! The Planning Office for Urban Affairs (POUA) and St. Francis House, the largest day shelter service provider in the City of Boston, acquired and rehabilitated the former Boston Young Men's Christian Union building, originally constructed in 1875 to provide support for adults and families with a range of socioeconomic backgrounds. 

The Union at 48 Boylston, completed at the end of 2018, continues the original mission of the Boston Young Men's Christian Union building by providing a better quality of life for residents. The Union at 48 Boylston provides 46 units of affordable housing, including 25 targeted to those who have experienced homelessness, in a gentrifying neighborhood with an influx of luxury housing. It includes 12,000 square feet for St. Francis House’s administrative offices, opening up space for a substance abuse counseling program and additional services at its building across the street. In addition, the Urban Hound at St. Francis House, a dog day care and grooming venture, provides job training and employment opportunities for residents and clients.

"The redevelopment preserves many beautiful and distinctive features of the building, including the Victorian Gothic façade as well as interior features such as marble fireplaces and Corinthian columns." - Amarillys Rodriguez, Development and Policy Project Manager for POUA

https://www.housingfinance.com/developments/ahf-announces-2019-readers-choice-award-winners_o

Thanks to all that helped to make this project possible!

Developers: Planning Office for Urban Affairs and St. Francis House
Architect: The Architectural Team
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

 

Bank of America Joins POUA Housing & Health Initiative

Bank of America Joins POUA Housing & Health Initiative

Bank of America recently became a Housing & Health Advocate sponsor to help support our efforts connecting our housing communities with healthcare. The POUA Housing & Health Initiative is pivotal for the lives of our residents whom a large percentage come from low-to-moderate income and/or have been previously homeless. 

Webster Bank Becomes First POUA Housing & Health Initiative Sponsor

Webster Bank Becomes First POUA Housing & Health Initiative Sponsor

The Planning Office for Urban Affairs recently received a Webster Bank Community Reinvestment Act grant to help support our efforts connecting our housing communities with healthcare. The POUA Housing & Health Initiative is pivotal for the lives of our residents whom a large percentage come from low-to-moderate income and/or have been previously homeless. 

2019 ULI Fall Meeting in Washington D.C. by Amarillys Rodriguez

2019 ULI Fall Meeting in Washington D.C. by Amarillys Rodriguez

I was fortunate to be able to attend the 2019 ULI Fall Meeting in Washington D.C. last week from September 18-21 through the 2019 ULI Boston/New England Pathways to Inclusion program, which seeks to expand access to the real estate and land use industry for professionals from underserved backgrounds while expanding ULI’s member base. The Urban Land Institute is the world’s largest and oldest member-based network of cross-disciplinary real estate and land use experts, whose mission is to provide leadership in the responsible use of land and in creating and sustaining thriving communities worldwide. Every year, ULI holds two conferences, known as the Fall Meeting and Spring Meeting, to share data and best practices on real estate trends, explore new and pressing issues in real estate and land use, and allow thousands of members the chance to network, share their questions and experiences, learn from each other, and pitch products and projects. 

Overall, my conference experience was rewarding. It began with a series of welcoming receptions that introduced members to each other, ULI, and to the host city. I used to live in D.C. before moving to the Boston area, so it was exciting to be back and see what had or hadn’t changed, relive positive memories, and feel the bustling energy of the District. In many ways, D.C. was a perfect backdrop for the conference because of the ways it embodies many of the topics and trends, for better or worse, in real estate and land use under discussion at the meeting: the affordable housing crisis and ways to address it, including the recent and growing wave of regulations such as rent control aimed at protecting tenants; gentrification and the struggle to reap its benefits while preventing displacement and loss of distinctive local cultures; transit oriented development, the need to invest in public transportation systems, and the proliferation of TNCs like Uber and Lyft as well as bike shares and e-scooters; the potential and risk in the use of tech throughout the real estate process and smart buildings; the rise of co-living and co-work spaces; and advances in the ongoing push for more resilient and sustainable buildings and communities, among others.

 

Photo: Young Leaders Group Reception

There were many interesting sessions on these topics and more throughout the conference that offered a big-picture view of market conditions as well as specific illuminating case studies. While it can sometimes be hard to sift through everything to find new or relevant information, I gleaned something valuable from every session I attended, whether it was inspiration, sources of more information or potential project resources, questions to learn about further, or examples that could provide guidance in the Planning Office’s work. One of my favorite sessions was “Housing First: ULI Member Innovations in Housing the Homeless” which highlighted two startups using apps and partnerships with non-profits and development companies to match situationally homeless clients (those who have been homeless for less than a year) with housing. Another was a panel called “Preserving the Ark: How NOAF (naturally occurring affordable housing) and Permanent Affordability Strategies are Meeting Long-Term Needs” within a day-long rental housing affordability symposium that featured land trusts, working with social impact investors, and other approaches to providing and preserving affordable housing. 

A particularly useful and relevant session was “The Value of Social Health and Equity: Numbers and Examples from the Market,” which featured case studies and perspectives from residential and commercial developers and funders on why and how they are incorporating health, wellness, and equity in their developments. The panelists discussed some of their programming ideas, partnerships and resources that supported their plans, and challenges such as how to collect data and define indicators to measure impact. In recognition of the role of housing as a key determinant of health and in an effort to better serve our residents, the Planning Office has been working more intentionally over the last year to partner with health care organizations and provide more health-related resident services at our developments. While promising connections and progress have been made so far, we are still early in this process and have a lot to learn. The session was an encouraging reminder that others are also figuring out how to better connect the health and housing sectors, and that the benefits to health outcomes and quality of life would be worth the challenges.                                                                                                                                                                                         
Photo: Amarillys Rodriguez (left) and Donald Alexis (right) of the Caribbean Integration Community Development.

Of course, a major part of the draw of conferences like these are the opportunities for networking and socializing with colleagues that they provide, and the ULI Fall Meeting did a great job facilitating these opportunities through receptions, breaks, tours, and smaller events throughout the conference. I was able to meet many people from all over the country and various fields within the industry, including architects, brokers, lenders, researchers, and product manufacturers, and was even able to connect more with some of our own project partners and other development professionals from the Boston area. Some of my favorite social events were the WLI speakeasy conversations, which provided women in the industry a chance to discuss a range of topics in smaller settings, and the Young Leaders Group reception, which was a very fun way to meet other professionals under 35 years old and build a network of peers.


All in all, I had a great time. I look forward to growing the connections I made at the Fall Meeting and making new ones, and to interacting more with ULI and Pathways to Inclusion.

 

Check Out the POUA September 2019 E-Newsletter

Check Out the POUA September 2019 E-Newsletter

https://conta.cc/3608LAD

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

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

The Union at 48 Boylston was chosen as the historic rehab winner in Affordable Housing Finance magazines 2019 Readers' Choice Awards! The Planning Office for Urban Affairs (POUA) and St. Francis House, the largest day shelter service provider in the City of Boston, acquired and rehabilitated the former Boston Young Men's Christian Union building, originally constructed in 1875 to provide support for adults and families with a range of socioeconomic backgrounds. 

The Union at 48 Boylston, completed at the end of 2018, continues the original mission of the Boston Young Men's Christian Union building by providing a better quality of life for residents. The Union at 48 Boylston provides 46 units of affordable housing, including 25 targeted to those who have experienced homelessness, in a gentrifying neighborhood with an influx of luxury housing. It includes 12,000 square feet for St. Francis House’s administrative offices, opening up space for a substance abuse counseling program and additional services at its building across the street. In addition, the Urban Hound at St. Francis House, a dog day care and grooming venture, provides job training and employment opportunities for residents and clients.

"The redevelopment preserves many beautiful and distinctive features of the building, including the Victorian Gothic façade as well as interior features such as marble fireplaces and Corinthian columns." - Amarillys Rodriguez, Development and Policy Project Manager for POUA

https://www.housingfinance.com/developments/ahf-announces-2019-readers-choice-award-winners_o

The Planning Office for Urban Affairs is excited to attend the AHF Live: 2019 Affordable Housing Developers Summit and award ceremony November 18 - 20 at the Hyatt Regency in Chicago!


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

 

Union at 48 Boylston Property Chosen for 2019 Novogradac Journal of Tax Credits Historic Rehabilitation Award: Residential Development That Overcame Significant Obstacles category

The Planning Office for Urban Affairs (POUA) Union at 48 Boylston property was chosen for a 2019 Novogradac Journal of Tax Credits Historic Rehabilitation Award: Residential Development That Overcame Significant Obstacles category.

The area around 48 Boylston Street has provided homes to lower-income families and ethnic groups, and support to homeless individuals for generations. Over the past several years, a number of luxury housing properties have been built. With that, there is a dramatic need to build new affordable housing for the community and permanent housing for the homeless. The rehabilitation of the former Boston Young Men’s Christian Union building located at 48 Boylston Street converted a vacant historic building into 46 units of affordable housing and approximately 12,000sf of space for St. Francis House administrative offices and commercial space that will provide opportunities for homeless individuals.

The Novogradac Journal of Tax Credits Historic Rehabilitation Awards honor outstanding achievement in the rehabilitation of historic properties by recognizing development teams for excellence in the creative use of the historic tax credit. The awards ceremony will be September 25th in St. Louis, MO at the Novogradac 2019 Historic Tax Credit Conference.

https://www.novoco.com/events/awards/2019/historic-rehabilitation-awards

 

POUA Development and Policy Project Manager, Amarillys Rodriquez, chosen as a Boston Urban Land Institute 2019 Pathways to Inclusion Cohort

POUA Development and Policy Project Manager, Amarillys Rodriquez, chosen as a Boston Urban Land Institute 2019 Pathways to Inclusion Cohort

Thursday, August 22, 2019

The Planning Office for Urban Affairs Development and Policy Project Manager,  Amarillys Rodriguez, has been selected to be a part of the Urban Land Institute Boston/New England (ULI) 2019 Pathways to Inclusion cohort. The Pathways to Inclusion Initiative is a partnership between the ULI Boston/New England, the Builders of Color Coalition and African American Real Estate Professionals (AAREP) New England and is designed to broaden ULI membership and expand the professional networks of minority developers and land use professionals. 

"I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to join the ULI network of over 1,400 real estate professionals in New England and over 40,000 members world-wide through the Pathways to Inclusion program! I look forward to meeting the rest of the cohort and participating in ULI events throughout the program year."  

– Amarillys Rodriguez, Development & Policy Project Manager

The Urban Land Institute (ULI) is a nonprofit education and research institute supported by its members. Its mission is to provide leadership in the responsible use of land and in creating and sustaining thriving communities worldwide. Established in 1936, the institute has more than 40,000 members worldwide representing all aspects of land use and development disciplines. The Planning Office for Urban Affairs is excited to be a part of the 2019 ULI Fall Meeting in Washington D.C., September 18th – 21st, 2019, to meet other cohort members and build new collaborations within our community.

Cardinal Seán P. O’Malley, Governor Charlie Baker, and Mayor Martin J. Walsh Celebrate the Ribbon Cutting of The Union, an Affordable Housing Development in Downtown Boston

Cardinal Seán P. O’Malley, Governor Charlie Baker, and Mayor Martin J. Walsh Celebrate the Ribbon Cutting of The Union, an Affordable Housing Development in Downtown Boston

Boston—May 28, 2019—Cardinal Seán Patrick O’Malley O.F.M. Cap., was joined this afternoon by Governor Charlie Baker; Mayor Martin J. Walsh; Lisa Alberghini, President of the Planning Office for Urban Affairs of the Archdiocese; Karen LaFrazia, President and CEO of St. Francis House, and numerous funders and supporters for the Ribbon Cutting on The Union, a redevelopment in downtown Boston.

Cardinal Seán O’Malley said, “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. 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.”

The Union is the adaptive reuse of the historic Boston Young Men’s Christian Union into 46 units of affordable housing. The property now provides permanent affordable homes for those with very modest incomes. Included in the new residential community are 26 units for people who are currently homeless or have been homeless, and twenty units for residents with incomes at or below 50% and 60% of the area median income (households making up to $51,780). In addition to this new housing, St. Francis House, located across the street, will provide the wrap around support services needed to ensure that all residents are stable and can thrive in their new homes.  

“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.”

"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 48 Boylston Street property was built by the Boston Young Men’s Christian Union (BYMCU) in 1875 to pursue its mission of engaging in charitable work, and was operated by the Union for over 150 years. In honoring that legacy, St. Francis House (SFH) and the Planning Office for Urban Affairs of the Archdiocese (POUA) are continuing to serve people in need at the property. Deeply rooted in a commitment to social justice and serving others, these two non-profits joined together to combine POUA’s housing development expertise with SFH’s ability and track record for providing extensive supportive services. This innovative partnership was created with the help of funding from the Massachusetts Housing Partnership.

“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.” Andrew Moskevich, resident at The Union.

“We are so grateful for our partnership with the Planning Office for Urban Affairs and the extraordinary commitment of the Commonwealth and City 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 in 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.”

Financing for The Union includes funding from the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development and MassHousing; the City of Boston Neighborhood Housing Trust and Department of Neighborhood Development; Bank of America Merrill Lynch; the Community Economic Development Assistance Corporation; and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston and its member, Eastern Bank, which participated in the Bank of America construction financing. 

The adaptive reuse of the building was completed to the Secretary of the Interior Standards for Historic Preservation and the development is utilizing both Federal Historic Tax Credits, and Massachusetts State Historic Tax Credits provided by Secretary Bill Galvin and the Massachusetts Historical Commission. The property was completed in mid-December 2018, and will be fully occupied by the end of the month

Cardinal Seán P. O’Malley Appoints William H. Grogan as the New President of the Planning Office for Urban Affairs

Cardinal Seán P. O’Malley Appoints New President of the Planning Office for Urban Affairs

William H. Grogan to Lead the office and continue POUA’s mission-critical work in affordable housing and community development

 

Tuesday, June 11, 2019

 

Boston, MA – Cardinal Seán P. O’Malley, Archbishop of Boston, announced today that William Grogan has been appointed as the new President of the Planning Office for Urban Affairs. Mr. Grogan has been involved in affordable housing, economic development and community revitalization work for 25 years. Since joining the Planning Office in 2005 as its Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel, Mr. Grogan has been responsible for overseeing POUA’s operations, legal work, and all aspects of its development efforts including the acquisition, financing, construction and property management of its affordable and mixed-income housing and mixed-use developments. 

Cardinal Seán said, ““Bill Grogan’s long-standing commitment to the mission of developing affordable housing and his extensive experience in guiding the collaboration needed for this important work are a blessing for the individuals and families so greatly in need of affordable housing. Bill’s highly developed skills will provide the Archdiocese the opportunity to advance the projects currently in the planning stages and to develop new opportunities under his leadership.” 

 

Mr. Grogan said, “It is a privilege and an honor to be the next President of POUA. I am thankful to Cardinal Seán for this appointment and for his commitment to serving and helping those in need. We have an obligation to ensure that the housing needs of all are met and given the shortage of affordable housing across the Commonwealth, our work is more important than ever. For 50 years, the Planning Office has developed innovative approaches to create permanent affordable housing and integrated, vibrant communities. We look forward to building on this history by expanding our relationships with existing partners and creating new and innovative approaches to meet the needs of those who lack adequate housing.” 

 

John J. Noone, Chair of the Board, Executive Vice President of the Northeast for Lincoln Property Company, said, “The Planning Office has accomplished a great deal, but there is much work left to be done as so many people in our communities still do not have access to decent, safe affordable housing, and Bill is the perfect person to lead POUA’s efforts going forward. In addition to his strong commitment, he has very significant technical skills, great respect in the affordable housing development community and a real concern for our residents. The Board is very grateful that he will become the next President”.  

 

Planning Office for Urban Affairs

 

Since 1969, POUA has completed close to 40 developments with nearly 3,000 units of affordable and mixed-income housing. This has impacted more than 12,000 people and channeled in excess of $625M of investment into neighborhoods and towns throughout metropolitan Boston. Additionally, at least 25% of all rental housing developed by POUA is for the benefit of those at risk of or transitioning from homelessness.

 

While at the Planning Office, Mr. Grogan has had a particular focus on structuring complex legal and financial transactions that ensure a high mission outcome, and he has worked on projects that range in size from $5 million to $70 million. In addition to his significant development work, he has been responsible for managing the operations of the Office including all corporate and project accounting and financial aspects; asset management efforts; work with corporate entities; legal work at both the corporate and development project levels; and new initiatives such as development in Gateway Cities and POUA’s emerging work in housing as a social determinant of health.

 

Prior to joining the Planning Office, Mr. Grogan was an attorney at Goulston & Storrs, P.C., a nationally known real estate firm, where he specialized in the areas of affordable housing development and finance. Previously, Mr. Grogan had worked in the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Program at the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development, and as a consultant at Fairmont Ventures in Philadelphia. As a result, he has extensive experience utilizing a wide range of federal, state and local sources of financing for affordable housing developments. Mr. Grogan received his Juris Doctor degree from Suffolk University Law School, a Masters in Government Administration degree from the University of Pennsylvania and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Trinity College.

 

Mr. Grogan has been active in the affordable housing industry, having spoken at conferences sponsored by the American Bar Association Forum on Affordable Housing, the National Association of Affordable Housing Lenders and the National Housing and Rehabilitation Association.

POUA’s The Union Receives Award from Suffolk University

POUA’s The Union Receives Award from Suffolk University

The Union at 48 Boylston received Suffolk University’s 2019 Moakley Public Service Award, which celebrated the whole team.

POUA’s Bethany Apartments Wins Robert H. Kuehn Award

POUA’s Bethany Apartments Wins Robert H. Kuehn Award

POUA's Bethany Apartments in Hanover has won a Robert H. Kuehn Award from Preservation Massachusetts, which was awarded at their annual awards dinner on May 8th. To see more information on award winners, click here.

POUA to Receive MHC Award for 48 Boylston

The Planning Office is thrilled to be receiving a Preservation Award from the Massachusetts Historical Commission for the adaptive reuse of The Union at 48 Boylston. Awards will be handed out on June 6th at the Massachusetts Archives Building.

POUA Hiring For Two Positions

POUA Hiring For Two Positions

POUA is currently looking to hire a Communications & Fundraising Manager and an Asset Manager. Click on each title for more information on the job description and how to apply.

New Restaurant Opens at 135 Lafayette in Salem

New Restaurant Opens at 135 Lafayette in Salem

We are excited to have Lobstah on a Roll open in the commercial space at our 135 Lafayette development in Salem! They will be holding a ribbon cutting to celebrate on May 2nd.

POUA & CICD Testify on Community Preservation Act

POUA & CICD Testify on Community Preservation Act

David Aiken of POUA and Donald Alexis of CICD testifying to the Boston City Council’s Committee on the Community Preservation Act (CPA) as to the benefits of the creation of nine (9) affordable homeownership units to be built with the CPA funding that the Community Preservation Act Committee awarded in February 2019.

Mayor Walsh Announces Funding For Morton Station Village

Mayor Walsh Announces Funding For Morton Station Village

Mayor Walsh announced funding for POUA and CICD's Morton Station Village in Mattapan. The Community Preservation Act and Department of Neighborhood Development funds that were announced are critical resources to help CICD and POUA move towards a groundbreaking in late 2020. To read more about the funding announcement, click here.

Residents Tour Future Home at 48 Boylston: Boston Globe Feature

Residents Tour Future Home at 48 Boylston: Boston Globe Feature

"Construction on the project, which was organized by St. Francis House and the Planning Office for Urban Affairs Inc. is winding down and residents are expected to begin moving in next month. When fully occupied, the historic building dubbed The Union will feature 46 affordable apartments, administrative offices for St. Francis House, and a dog day care and pet supply retail shop. 'It’s the gift that keeps on giving because it has so many components to it,' said Lisa B. Alberghini, president of the Planning Office for Urban Affairs, which is affiliated with the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Boston."
To read the full article, click here.

POUA Chosen as Host Organization for Kuehn Fellow

The Planning Office is thrilled to be chosen, for the second time, to host a Kuehn fellow for two years through The Kuehn Charitable Foundation. This new staff member will join us in July 2019!

POUA & GHF’s Harbor Place Receives Jack Kemp Award from ULI

POUA & GHF’s Harbor Place Receives Jack Kemp Award from ULI

POUA & GHF Receive MFE Award for Harbor Place

POUA & GHF Receive MFE Award for Harbor Place

Resident Wins Prestigious Award for Gardening Efforts

Resident Wins Prestigious Award for Gardening Efforts

The Union at 48 Boylston Accepting Applications

The Union at 48 Boylston Accepting Applications

Harbor Place Nominated for Jack Kemp Excellence in Affordable & Workforce Housing Awards 2018

Harbor Place Nominated for Jack Kemp Excellence in Affordable & Workforce Housing Awards 2018

Catholic Charities Meets The Union at 48 Boylston Street

Catholic Charities Meets The Union at 48 Boylston Street

POUA Honored at Preservation Mass. Paul & Niki Tsongas Awards

POUA Honored at Preservation Mass. Paul & Niki Tsongas Awards

POUA’s Bethany Apartments in Hanover: Update

POUA’s Bethany Apartments in Hanover: Update

POUA Breaks Ground on The Union in Downtown Boston

POUA Breaks Ground on The Union in Downtown Boston

Massachusetts Historical Commission honors POUA’s Winter Street Apartments

Massachusetts Historical Commission honors POUA’s Winter Street Apartments

POUA Dedicates Harbor Place in Haverhill with Ribbon Cutting

POUA Dedicates Harbor Place in Haverhill with Ribbon Cutting

POUA Celebrates Groundbreaking of Bethany Apartments in Hanover

POUA Celebrates Groundbreaking of Bethany Apartments in Hanover

Women of the Church Discuss Social Justice

Women of the Church Discuss Social Justice

POUA & CICD’s Cote Village Receives Funding

POUA & CICD’s Cote Village Receives Funding

Update: Kennedy Apartments in Hanover

Update: Kennedy Apartments in Hanover

POUA Honors Anne Finucane at Spring Celebration

POUA Honors Anne Finucane at Spring Celebration

Uphams Crossing Wins 2017 Mayor Thomas M. Menino Legacy Award

Uphams Crossing Wins 2017 Mayor Thomas M. Menino Legacy Award
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Under Construction Update

Under Construction Update

Harbor Place Helps Transform Downtown Haverhill

Winter Street Apartments Listed on National Register of Historic Places

On December 14th, 2016 at the Massachusetts Historical Commission’s board meeting, The Apartments at 165 Winter was unanimously voted for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places. The National Park Service will publish this recommendation in the Federal Register and the listing will be completed in early 2017. This 1860's era school building was gut renovated after being vacant for several years, and converted by POUA into 12 units of housing in 2015. It is now contributing to the revitalization efforts of the City of Haverhill in the Lower Acre neighborhood, providing the area with much needed high-quality affordable housing.

POUA Names Harbor Place Boardwalk After Chairman Brian Dempsey

POUA Names Harbor Place Boardwalk After Chairman Brian Dempsey

On Friday December 16th we gathered to celebrate Harbor Place in Haverhill, and Chairman Brian Dempsey’s key role in making the project a reality. Brian Dempsey helped secure $36 million in state funding for the project, which includes 80 units of housing and a 5-story commercial building which will contain a UMass Lowell satellite campus, HC Media and headquarters for Pentucket Bank, as well as office space to be leased. The event celebrated Dempsey’s contributions to the project, which will honor him with the naming of the boardwalk after him. The event included speeches by Mayor James Fiorentini, UMass President Marty Meehan, and House Speaker Robert DeLeo.

Photo credit: North of Boston Media Group (The Eagle-Tribune)

Photo L to R: Ron Trombley (Greater Haverhill Foundation), Marty Meehan (President, UMass), Sally Cerasuolo-O'Rorke (Greater Haverhill Foundation), Jacqueline Moloney (Chancellor, UMass Lowell), Representative Brian Dempsey (Chairman of House Ways and Means), Representative Robert DeLeo (Speaker of the House), POUA President Lisa Alberghini

POUA Projects Receive Mass. Historic Rehab Tax Credits

Two projects POUA is taking part in recently received allocations in the competitive process for Massachusetts Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credits: Kennedy Building Apartments in Hanover, MA, in which we are the developer, and 48 Boylston Street in Boston, MA, where we will be providing support to St. Francis House. Kennedy Building Apartments is the adaptive reuse of an existing dormitory building on the Cardinal Cushing Centers Campus into 37 units of mixed-income workforce housing; 48 Boylston Street is the rehabilitation of the Boston Young Men’s Christian Union building into 46 units of affordable housing.

POUA Dedicates Plaque at St. Aidan’s

POUA Dedicates Plaque at St. Aidan’s

Uphams Crossing Wins Best Family Development in the Nation!

Uphams Crossing Wins Best Family Development in the Nation!

Uphams Crossing, a new 80-unit affordable housing community developed by the Planning Office for Urban Affairs of the Archdiocese of Boston, has won the 2016 Affordable Housing Finance Magazine Readers’ Choice Award for Best Family Housing in the United States. The development was built on a former parish property and includes 20 units for previously homeless families. Read the announcement of awards here and read more about the project here.

POUA President Lisa Alberghini and Project Manager Dave Aiken were grateful to accept the award at the AHF Live! conference from November 15th-17th in Chicago. (Photo by Sheri Whitko Photography)

Thank you so much for voting, and for all of your support!

Harbor Place Receives MassWorks Funding

Harbor Place Receives MassWorks Funding
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Harbor Place Holds Lottery

Harbor Place Holds Lottery

Haverhill Gets First Look at Harbor Place Boardwalk

Haverhill Gets First Look at Harbor Place Boardwalk
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Kennedy Apartments in Hanover Receive Funding

Rental Housing Award Announcement

Rental Housing Award Announcement
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