BOSTON – Last week, the Community Preservation Committee awarded a total of $40 million to 56 projects for this year’s round of Community Preservation funding. Seven projects in District 2 received funding in the categories of affordable housing, historic preservation and open space, parks, and recreation, for a total of $8.5 million.
In South Boston, $2.5 million was awarded for repurposing the McDevitt Hall on E Street into affordable senior rental housing, which includes 35 units of affordable housing for neighbors ages 62 and over. In the Fort Point neighborhood, $395,500 was awarded to the historic Congress Street Fire Station for exterior restorations, which includes repair and repointing of masonry at the side and rear elevations of the Firehouse.
In Chinatown, a total of over $4.2 million was awarded to partially fund the creation of 44 units of affordable homeownership housing and 66 units of affordable rental housing at Parcel R-1 at Tyler and Hudson Street. St. James the Greater Church also received $400,000 in grants for the restoration of the historic exterior structure of the Church and masonry and drainage system repairs.
In Downtown, Tremont Temple Baptist Church received $750,000 in restoration funds for masonry and building repairs. On Beacon Hill, Peter Faneuil House received $280,000 in funds to rehabilitate the basketball court and to perform masonry repairs.
“I would like to thank Mayor Wu, Councilor Flaherty, and the Community Preservation Committee for their steadfast leadership and the work of neighbors and civic organizations who continue to apply for this critical funding. Over the past five years, we have continued to enhance our neighborhoods and city through CPA funds,” said Council President Flynn. “I am excited that over $20 million will go towards funding affordable housing across the city this year, including over $4 million to create 110 units in Chinatown to support our immigrant neighbors and working families and $2.5 million to create affordable housing for seniors at the McDevitt Homes in South Boston. CPA funding will continue to play a key role in helping our city to provide affordable housing for both low and middle-income residents, our seniors, and working families.”
For more information, please contact Council President Flynn’s office at 617-635-3203 and [email protected].
Maureen Dahill is the editor of Caught in Southie and a lifelong resident of South Boston sometimes mistaken for a yuppie. Co-host of Caught Up, storyteller, lover of red wine and binge watching TV series. Mrs. Peter G. Follow her @MaureenCaught.
How about some funding to start the Mary Ellen McCormack (MEM) renovation. Old Harbor is one of the worst public housing projects in the country. It’s been languishing for years now. Look at Old Colony, now Ann Lynch Homes. Total transformation, with Beautiful units for residents. Stevie Lynch fought for the funding but he had an ally in Mayor Walsh. Mayor Wu better wake up and smell the green tea. She should partner with Lynch & the Southie elected officials to get MEM moving forward. The old BHA model of low income housing doesn’t work anymore.