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Boston Housing Authority - BHA to re-apply for HOPE VI grant to rebuild

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Contact: Lydia Agro, Communications Director,

The Boston Housing Authority is preparing to re-submit an application for funding for $35 million under the federal HOPE VI Program to redevelop the Maverick Gardens housing development in East Boston. The application process will be a joint effort between BHA staff, the Maverick Tenant Organization, elected officials and a number of East Boston community partners.

Built in 1941, Maverick is one of the BHA’s oldest developments. As a result, the housing at Maverick is generally obsolete and seriously distressed. With the awarding of a HOPE VI grant, the BHA would be able to undertake a comprehensive redevelopment as well as make major improvements in the design of the site.

“This is an exciting initiative that if funded will allow Maverick residents to participate as full partners in the redevelopment of the East Boston Waterfront. It will also ensure the preservation of affordable housing units in East Boston for years to come,” said Mayor Thomas M. Menino. “This is an important piece of the revitalization of East Boston.”

By reconnecting the streets running through Maverick to recapture the views to the waterfront as well as reconnecting the area to the commercial center and neighboring residential areas, this plan will change the relationship between Maverick and the community surrounding it to one of involvement and participation rather than isolation.

“We were disappointed not to have received HOPE VI funding for Maverick Gardens last year, but we are excited and optimistic that a new application will be well-received in Washington,” said BHA Administrator Sandra B. Henriquez. “An extensive planning process with all our partners will build on the very strong application that was developed last year. We look forward to again working with the Maverick Tenants Organization because they will be instrumental in making this application a reality.”

In preparation for this application, the BHA will conduct a series of meetings in a variety of languages with Maverick residents and community members. The result will be a revitalization plan which has extensive resident and community support, offers an array of housing choice including mixed-income rental and homeownership and includes a Community and Self-Sufficiency Plan which is sensitive to cultural diversity in the services it will provide for residents.

“We’ve wanted this since it was brought up seven years ago and are very excited at the prospect of obtaining it,” said Ruth Capone, chairperson and acting director of the Maverick Tenants Association.

If approved, current Maverick residents will have a number of options regarding relocation and return so that all residents will be able to remain in affordable housing. In order to prepare for relocation and offer residents as much flexibility as possible, all residents will be given a choice of another BHA housing development, a Section 8 voucher for temporary, or if desired, permanent relocation. Elderly residents will have the choice to enter one of the BHA’s elderly housing developments that specifically provide services for the elderly population. The BHA anticipates that a substantial majority of current Maverick residents who wish to return to Maverick after redevelopment will be able to.

HOPE VI is a federally funded program that allows public housing authorities to apply for funding to redevelop severely distressed housing developments. Redevelopment under the HOPE VI program focuses on three areas: physical improvements, management improvements, and social and community services to address residents’ needs. The program is operated by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development. The BHA has been awarded two grants, for Mission Main and Orchard Gardens, under this highly competitive program.

Copies of an executive summary of the application will be available upon completion. The Hope VI application deadline is June 22. Attached are schematics of the revitalization plan designed during last year’s process.