Boston, MA- The Boston Housing Authority (BHA) announced today that it has selected affordable housing non-profit IBA - Inquilinos Boricuas en Acción as the developer for its West Newton/Rutland Streets properties, which includes the revitalization of 146 units in the public housing site in Boston’s historic South End.
“We’re excited to be able to preserve these properties for future generations of families in the City of Boston,” said Mayor Martin J. Walsh. “Affordable and economically diverse housing is an important component of our vision for our city’s future.” IBA will now lead the redevelopment of 24 historic brick townhouses, containing existing units of federally subsidized housing, along West Newton and Rutland Streets. As part of the goal, IBA will carry out this project while protecting current residents from displacement and preserving affordability for extremely low-income households over the long term.
“We are thrilled that the Boston Housing Authority has awarded us this redevelopment which will allow us to help stabilize more families and elderly in need,” said Vanessa Calderón-Rosado, CEO of IBA. “In light of the competition from larger for-profit developers, we are appreciative that the BHA recognized our investment in the South End to build community for our residents. We look forward to furthering our mission with this project.”
A front-runner in affordable housing since 1968, IBA’s dedication to the local community and quality of resident services it provides, allow it to stand out amongst its peers. Created by a group of Puerto Rican activists, IBA grew out of the fight against displacement and has been continuing that mission ever since. The organization has preserved affordability amidst gentrification and rising property values in the South End, while increasing public safety and building community for the neighborhood.
“We’re pleased that these historic South End buildings will be able to be sustained as a housing resource for our low-income families,” said Bill McGonagle. “We’re confident that IBA shares our vision and commitment to preserving affordable housing for our residents and for future generations of families in need.”
IBA’s most notable development is Villa Victoria, a 435-unit affordable housing community. Home to a diverse population of low-income residents, it stands as a leading example for not only providing residents with a safe and healthy living environment, but also unparalleled resident services and supportive programming, which includes youth development, workforce programming, and an award winning arts program housed at Villa Victoria Center for the Arts. Residents of the neighboring West Newton/Rutland Streets will be welcomed into this same community.
The BHA issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the redevelopment of West Newton/Rutland public housing as a next step in resident and community process as part of a larger goal in preserving affordable housing the city. It comes at a time when the BHA is looking to upgrade and make sustainable affordable housing communities amidst historic federal budget cuts, and Mayor Walsh has placed high importance on an increase in the city’s affordable housing with his housing initiative, Housing a Changing City: Boston 2030. IBA’s plan was one of three proposals that the BHA received in response to its RFP, and one of the only CDCs to put out a bid against for-profit competitors. The submitted proposals were reviewed by a selection committee comprised of residents of the West Newton/Rutland public housing development and BHA staff.
Beginning this year, the BHA and IBA will hold a series of resident and community meetings, along with design charrettes, as part of an open, public, neighborhood planning process.
About Boston Authority (BHA)
Boston Housing Authority (BHA) provides affordable housing to more than 58,000 residents in and around the City of Boston. Residents are assisted through a combination of public housing and federal and state voucher subsidy programs that provide a wide variety of housing opportunities. As the largest public housing authority in New England, the BHA houses close to 9 percent of the city's residents.
Our mission is to provide stable, quality affordable housing for low and moderate income persons; to deliver these services with integrity and mutual accountability; and to create living environments which serve as catalysts for the transformation from dependency to economic self-sufficiency.
About IBA (Inquilinos Boricuas en Acción)
IBA – Inquilinos Boricuas en Acción - is a leading community development corporation and dynamic community builder that empowers individuals of all ages through vibrant affordable housing communities, education, workforce development and arts programs. For more than four decades, IBA has built an affordable, safe, healthy and supportive environment for diverse residents, while developing leaders. IBA has evolved into a driving force in the South End and across the city as a leading non-profit owner and developer of affordable housing.