Contested public hearing on 197 Oxford Street Housing First project draws advocates and neighbors

The Planning Board on Jan. 14 held a lengthy public hearing on a three-phase residential proposal at 197 Oxford Street submitted by Avesta Housing and Redeveloper partners. The phased project would deliver up to 96 residential units across three parcels: Phase 1 (197 Oxford) proposes 48 units — 20 workforce/affordable units and 28 Housing First units with 24/7 on-site support — while Phases 2 and 3 would each include 24 market-rate units at 50 Cedar Street and 158 Lancaster Street.

Why this matters: The first phase proposes a sizable, mixed-use residential building with an on-site Housing First program that provides permanent units and on-site supportive services for people experiencing chronic homelessness. Housing First projects have been central to the city and state’s broader strategy to reduce chronic homelessness, but they also generate neighborhood concerns about operations, safety and site servicing.

Project scope and phasing - The applicant described a phased plan that includes sidewalk and street reconstruction (Cedar, parts of Oxford, Chestnut and Lancaster Streets) carried out incrementally with each development phase. Phase 1 proposes five off-street parking spaces (accessed from Chestnut), landscaping and a first-floor area allocated to resident services tied to the Housing First program. - The applicant said the three parcels are under a joint-venture ownership arrangement…