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Contact: Lydia Agro,Communications Director, 617-988-4109
Location: Maverick Gardens
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Mayor Thomas M. Menino broke ground for the start of redevelopment of the Maverick Gardens housing development in East Boston today. Currently owned by the Boston Housing Authority, the Maverick redevelopment will result in 396 new apartments, both affordable and market rate, along the East Boston waterfront.
“This redevelopment effort is yet another step in the City’s efforts to make Boston affordable and livable for everyone,” said Mayor Menino. “These new units will ensure the existence of quality affordable public housing along the East Boston waterfront for years to come.”
The new housing units will consist of townhouse style units and two midrise apartment buildings. Seventy-seven percent or 305 apartments will remain available for public housing residents. The remainder, 91 apartments, will be rented at market rate. The project also includes a Citywide Homeownership Initiative that will provide 50 homeownership opportunities for public housing residents and other eligible applicants.
“We are very excited to be able to announce the redevelopment of Maverick Gardens,” said BHA Administrator Sandra B. Henriquez. “The BHA is doing all it can to improve and preserve its existing housing stock for the future. This effort represents all we can accomplish when we put together a strong program of public/private partnership to keep the city affordable for those who need it.”
The project got its start with the award of a $35 million HOPE VI grant from the federal government. Funding for the $105 million project is also being provided by a number of public/private partners including the City of Boston (Neighborhood Housing Trust and Department of Neighborhood Development), state funded low-income tax credit equity, the Boston Housing Authority, Mass Housing and the Department of Housing and Community Development.
Developing the project with the BHA are Trinity East Boston Partners, which is a collaboration between Trinity Financial and the East Boston Community Development Corporation. The BHA chose Trinity East Boston Partners as its development team after a formal competitive process was initiated last year.
“On behalf of the Maverick residents, we have worked hard to accomplish this HOPE VI dream,” said Ruth Capone, Chairperson of the Maverick Tenants Organization. “The opportunities for providing incentives for self-sufficiency and bridging gaps within our community’s service system will improve the quality of life for all in East Boston. Our heartfelt appreciation goes out to Mayor Menino, the BHA and our development team, Trinity Financial and the East Boston Community Development Corporation, as well as to all others who have been instrumental in their support and commitment to our cause.”
Phase one and two of the project are expected to occur simultaneously and consist of 230 apartments. Phase three will consist of 166 apartments and is expected to begin in early 2005 and be completed during the summer of 2006. The total unit mix will be 103 one-bedroom units, 147 two-bedroom units, 118 three-bedroom units and 28 four-bedroom units. While the footprint for phases one and three sits on the existing site, phase two of the project will be built on a vacant parcel of land across Sumner Street.
Current Maverick Gardens residents have been offered their choice of temporary or permanent relocation to other public housing developments throughout the city or a Section 8 voucher. Residents will receive supportive assistance throughout the relocation process.
The initiative includes a Community and Supportive Services Program in addition to the redevelopment of the physical space. The CSSP will include individual case management, employment and computer training, adult learning and youth education and recreational programs. The supportive services will be partially funded through the HOPE VI grant, but will also be provided through collaborations with community service providers.
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