BOSTON –A mix of public, private and grant financing is in place for the Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Development Corporation (JPNDC) to redevelop an underutilized Dorchester parcel into 48 new, deeply affordable and service rich apartment homes for senior citizens.
The Cheney Homes will involve the demolition of an existing dilapidated structure and the new construction of 48 service-enriched apartments for seniors aged 55 and older. JPNDC designed the new housing to meet the needs of seniors as they age in place and will offer robust supportive services through the Uphams Corner Health Committee (UCHC), including a full-time resident services coordinator and a part-time nurse.
“The lack of affordable housing endangers the health of elderly people every single day, especially among BIPOC seniors,” said JPNDC CEO Teronda Ellis. “We are thrilled that with the partnership of MassHousing, the City of Boston and others, we will create 48 new homes where our seniors can grow older with the dignity they deserve.”
“The Cheney Homes project represents a vital step in our efforts to create deeply affordable, service-enriched housing for older Bostonians,” said Sheila A. Dillon, Boston’s Chief of Housing. “By transforming an underutilized parcel in Grove Hall into a vibrant community where older residents can age with dignity and access comprehensive care, JPNDC is addressing critical housing needs while strengthening the fabric of our neighborhoods. This project underscores Boston’s commitment to providing every resident, regardless of age or income, with a place to call home.”
“MassHousing is excited for the future residents of Cheney Homes who will have deeply affordable apartment homes with many supportive services through UCHC program,” said MassHousing CEO Chrystal Kornegay. “The collaboration between the many mission-driven partners involved in this project will help to turn a blighted parcel in the heart of Grove Hall into a new, vibrant housing community for seniors.”
JPNDC is developing Cheney Homes with financing from the City of Boston, MassHousing, the Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC), Eastern Bank, the Massachusetts Housing Investment Corporation (MHIC), and the allocation of federal and state Low Income Housing Tax Credits.
“Our fourth collaboration with JPNDC, Cheney Homes, will be a significant enhancement to the Grove Hall neighborhood, offering essential affordable housing options for seniors, along with a community space dedicated to connection and care services,” said Moddie Turay, President and CEO of MHIC. “We extend our gratitude to the City of Boston, EOHLC, and Eastern Bank for their invaluable partnership with MHIC in supporting this project, which is committed to prioritizing racial equity and inclusion throughout the development process.”
The project site, in the Grove Hall neighborhood, is less than a block from Blue Hill Avenue, which offers a range of retail options and several MBTA bus routes. Commuter rail service is available at the Four Corner/Geneva station half a mile away.
JPNDC will develop a four-story, wood-framed building with Passive House standards and common areas including a kitchen, dining room and outdoor courtyard to promote social interaction in an independent living environment. The common spaces will occupy the ground floor with an amenity space on the fourth floor and the apartments will be on the upper floors. All 48 apartments will be restricted to households with incomes ranging from 30 percent to 60 percent of the Area Median Income with 36 of the units receiving support from federal (eight units) and state (28 units) project-based housing subsidies. There will be 46 one-bedroom apartments and two two-bedroom apartments.
The general contractor is NEI General Contracting, the architect is ICON Architecture, and the management agent is UHM Properties.
