Charles River project seeks $3.5 million in town funds for integrated housing with on-site supports

Developers of an integrated housing and education project on East Mosher Heights (near the Paul Merritt Building) told the Town of Needham finance/community housing committee on March 10 that they are requesting about $3.5 million in Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds for an 86-unit project that mixes units for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and community units open to other low-income households.

The project—described by a presenter identified as Mariah as an integrated housing-and-education complex—would use 3.5 acres and include 86 units serving households with incomes at or below 30 to 80 percent of area median income (AMI). Project materials presented to the committee said half the units would be available through a closed referral system for people with autism and intellectual and developmental disabilities and Charles River staff, with five on-site staff units reserved. The developer said Charles River will provide clinical support, education, job training and other services on-site. A community center and a walking trail open to the public are planned.

Mariah (project representative for Charles River) told the committee the integration model seeks to place adults with disabilities in the least restrictive setting: “The integration of adults with disabilities and adults without disabilities is a critical component of this model and is mandated by both federal and state law,” she said. The presenter said the total project cost is substantially larger (the presenter referenced a full development cost in the tens of millions) but that the CPA request being considered by Needham is a fraction of the full capital stack.

Committee members asked for more detail about the educational component, and the presenter said Charles River planned on-site staff who would provide education, job training and supports for residents aiming to pursue college or employment. The project team said the funding request will go through the usual CPC process and public hearings this month.

The committee did not vote on the Charles River request at this meeting. Committee members requested supplemental materials that describe projected unit counts by income band, the closed-referral process, and the specific services to be provided on-site before any final CPC recommendation.