Northampton housing partnership backs POA request for Meadowbrook rehab funding

The Northampton Housing Partnership voted unanimously to send a letter of support for Preservation of Affordable Housing’s Meadowbrook recapitalization and its request for $200,000 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds.

Preservation of Affordable Housing (POA) representatives presented a phased recapitalization plan for Meadowbrook, a 252‑unit development on a 27‑acre campus. Austin Brass, POA associate on the project, said the property has operated at a deficit, the buildings date to 1974, and an estimated $2.5 million–$3 million in additional capital repairs are needed over time.

The presentation outlined a two‑phase approach covering roughly half the property (about 126 units) to maximize available state and local resources. Brass said POA would contribute $1 million from its capital funds, pursue Low‑Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) equity and solar tax credits, seek Federal Home Loan Bank resources and tax‑exempt bond financing, and apply for Northampton CDBG funds to increase the project’s rehabilitation scope. Brass said the anticipated per‑unit rehab cost on this recapitalization is about $111,000 when POA resources are included.

Why it matters: Meadowbrook houses a large low‑income population, including residents with project‑based vouchers and units restricted at 60% and 30% of area median income (AMI). POA said roughly 160 units currently receive some form of subsidy and that preserving affordability is a primary goal of the recapitalization.

Partnership members asked about energy‑efficiency work, damp basement units and resident relocation during construction. Brass said measures would include improving building enclosure (to reduce heat loss), replacing aging mechanical systems with more efficient equipment where feasible, and adding solar arrays where roof or ground conditions permit. He said drainage improvements are included to address chronic dampness in some basement apartments, and that POA will contract with relocation consultants with a preference for keeping residents on site when possible.

On financing and timeline, Brass said POA expects to pursue state tax credits in the winter EOHLC (Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities) round, with tax credit awards potentially in 2026, tax‑exempt bond finalization soon after, and closing and construction in 2027 if the schedule holds.

After discussion, Partnership member Bev Bates moved to send a letter of support for POA’s CDBG request; Richard Abusa seconded. The Partnership took a roll‑call vote and recorded six yes votes; the motion passed. POA representatives thanked the Partnership for the support.

Members also asked POA to share the presentation slides and additional technical details; POA confirmed staff would provide them through Partnership staff for distribution.