Scattered Site Initiative

What are scattered sites?

Since the 1980s, BHA has owned a portfolio of “scattered-site” public housing supported by the state’s Chapter 705 program. These properties range from individual apartment units, small clusters of apartments, or even townhouses - separate from BHA’s typical large public housing communities. In many cases, BHA owns one or two apartment units within a condominium with units owned by others. In other words, BHA does not have full control over the whole property.
 

Where are they generally located?

These Scattered Sites are located in different neighborhoods across the City of Boston – primarily in Dorchester, East Boston, Jamaica Plain, Mattapan, and Roxbury.
 

What are some recent initiatives?

BHA aims to consolidate the portfolio to create accessible, high quality, and financially sustainable communities for BHA residents, including using the Scattered Sites to create affordable homeownership opportunities targeted to BHA residents. The Scattered-Site apartments are extremely challenging and costly to operate and maintain. Scattered Sites cost 50% more to operate than BHA’s typical public housing. Currently, we are prioritizing the disposition of apartments that have been vacant for over two years and where the BHA only owns one or two apartment units within a larger, privately owned, complex. This will help consolidate and centralize the portfolio. The BHA is also actively leveraging City and State funding to support the development of new, modern, high quality affordable housing opportunities at the Scattered Sites.
 

Who should I contact if I have questions?

For questions on the Scattered Sites portfolio, please email Real.Estate@bostonhousing.org or call 617-988-4562