Trinity Financial, working with the Worcester Housing Authority, requested $250,000 from the Affordable Housing Trust Fund to replace a previously awarded HOME fund allocation for phase 2 of the Curtis Apartments redevelopment.

Vivian Lee, Trinity Financial, said the $250,000 would allow the project to proceed without the HOME funds that became subject to Build America Buy America (BABA) requirements. “Out of all $146,000,000 of the sources, this is the only piece that is subject to BABA provisions,” Lee said. She told trustees that swapping Trust funds for the HOME allocation would prevent the entire $146 million project from becoming subject to BABA rules.

Phase 2 will demolish 114 existing apartments and replace them with 150 new units (116 replacement public housing units). Trinity said 100% of existing Curtis residents will have the right to return; the phase also includes an Economic Opportunity Center (EOC) building with residential units and community space, and will provide 198 parking spaces, updated roadways and utility work.

Lee said the project is shovel‑ready: all three building permits are in hand, abatement and demolition for the EOC portion began in August, and the team has an executed general contractor contract. She told trustees the Trust Fund award — less than 1% of total project costs — is the final funding piece needed for financial close.

Trustees asked about relocation and services; Trinity said Housing Opportunities Unlimited is the relocation consultant and will engage tenants months before re‑occupancy. The project will include roadway and infrastructure upgrades as part of the phase work.

Trustees will score the application and consider it in their Oct. 22 review.