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Mayor Menino Announces the Completion of 10 New, Affordable Units in Roxbury |
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| Contact: Lydia Agro,Communications Director, 617-988-4109
Location: Boston, MA
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Mayor Thomas M. Menino has announced the completion of 10 new, affordable homeownership units in Roxbury as part of the Forest Greenville Homes Project. The project involves the rehabilitation of 10-five bedroom duplexes, which are to be sold as affordable housing to first-time homebuyers.
“Affordable housing continues to be a high priority for the City of Boston,” said Mayor Menino. “It is important for families from all walks of life to be able to own their own homes so they can be a permanent part of the neighborhoods and communities of this city.”
The units, constructed by Nuestra Communidad Community Development Corporation, are part of the offsite portion of the Orchard Gardens HOPE VI redevelopment and are benefiting from a contribution of $588,589 in federal HOPE VI funds made available through the Boston Housing Authority (BHA) and the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Construction began on August 11, 2003 and is expected to be completed in mid-August of 2004.
“Initiatives like these help ensure that Boston will continue to be a city that is open to everyone,” said BHA Administrator Sandra Henriquez. “With more affordable housing, families will be able to share in the vibrancy of Boston.”
The homes are being sold through a public lottery and prices will range from $115,000 to $155,000. The properties are located at 16, 17, 17A, 18, 19, and 19A Forest Street and 12, 16, 19, and 19A Greenville Street in Roxbury.
As part of the Sears American Dream Campaign, Nuestra will receive $50,000 for first-time homebuyers' down payments, as well as $1,000 gift cards for homeowners who participate in a one-day home maintenance assessment, and $100 gift cards for all Forest Greenville residents.
“Homeownership is part of the American dream,” said Nuestra Executive Director Evelyn Friedman. “Thanks to many of our partnerships we are able to make that dream come true for many families.”
Nuestra also holds monthly homeowner workshops in six different languages aimed at educating prospective homebuyers on topics relevant to homeownership. Subjects discussed include how to deal with inspectors, appraisers and lawyers, information about the availability of down payment assistance, and one-on-one credit counseling. Nuestra recently expanded its homeowner services to include a first mortgage product of their own.
In addition to BHA and HUD funding, the project also received $497,340 from the state’s Department of Housing and Community Development; $610,000 from the Local Initiatives Support Corporation; $720,000 from the Boston Community Loan Fund and $95,000 from the Community Economic Development Assistance Corporation.
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