Committee recommends sale of 110 Washington St. to developer for 57 income-restricted apartments; members press for replacement warming center

The Planning, Economic Development & Housing Committee voted Oct. 1 to recommend that the City Council approve sale of the former trade school at 110 Washington Street to a development team led by Boston Communities and Arch Communities. The developers propose converting the building into 57 income-restricted apartments and restoring the property to the tax rolls under a multi-year tax agreement.

The redevelopment plan calls for 57 rental apartments—6 studios, 37 one‑bedroom and 14 two‑bedroom units—restricted across a range of incomes from 30% to 80% of area median income (AMI). Matt Robaina, principal with Boston Communities, said the proposed income mix is 19 units at 80% AMI, five at 60% AMI, 25 at 50% AMI and eight at 30% AMI. The team described energy-efficiency upgrades and plans to pursue state historic tax credits, Department of Housing (DOH) financing and Connecticut Housing Finance Authority (CHFA) resources.

The development team described a parking plan with 43 spaces (about a 0.75 parking ratio) and additional long-term bike storage. The team said it has held community meetings, received some approvals from the State Historic Preservation Office and completed parts of the environmental review process required by state funding sources. Construction was described as beginning after permitting and financing, with a stated goal of completion in 2027.

Assistant Director William Diaz said the city would sell the building to the development team for $500,000, and the project’s total estimated cost is about $33.6 million. Diaz said the developers are pursuing Department of Housing funding, historic tax credits, deferred developer fees, federal HOME funds from the city and Section 8 vouchers for some units; the city is also seeking compliance with MWBE and wage requirements.

A recurring concern among committee members was the warming center currently using the building’s gymnasium. Committee members and staff said the city intends to operate the warming center at the site for the coming winter while construction is planned around that seasonal use, but council members pressed the administration for a clear plan to identify and ready a replacement facility for subsequent winters. “We want something that we know is gonna be there,” a committee member said, urging earlier vetting of alternative sites and regular progress reporting from the administration.

Committee discussion also addressed the proposed 15-year tax agreement included in the term sheet. Diaz described a structure with a two-year construction period at a flat (zero) tax rate and a stepped revenue share in early years; developers will have an 18-month due-diligence period before closing. The committee asked how sale or changes in partnership would affect tax benefits—staff said the tax deal does not automatically transfer to a new owner and significant ownership changes would require city approval.

After debate, the committee voted to send the disposition to full council with a favorable recommendation. Committee members recorded one “no” and three “yes” votes on the motion at committee; the transcript records discussion but not a complete roll-call.