Zoning board approves Quincy Housing Authority plan for 16 affordable units at Bicknell Street

The Quincy Zoning Board of Appeals voted on Dec. 10 to approve a Quincy Housing Authority (QHA) application to build two four-story buildings totaling 16 new affordable family units on a vacant lot near O’Brien Towers at the entrance to Snug Harbor.

James Marathas, executive director of the Quincy Housing Authority and representative of Quincy Development Corporation, told the board the roughly 17,277-square-foot lot would host two four-story buildings, each containing eight two-bedroom units intended to remain affordable in perpetuity under the authority's plan to convert federal public housing holdings into project-based Section 8 ownership by Quincy Development Corporation.

"This project would be the first project for Quincy Development Corporation," Marathas said. He described a 16-unit, all-electric project using high-efficiency heat pumps, with two parking spaces per unit and amenity access in Snug Harbor. He told the board he expected construction to begin in spring 2025 with an 18–24 month timeline and said the project would be financed in part through partnerships including the city's Affordable Housing Trust Fund.

Why it matters: QHA and its nonprofit arm say converting HUD-owned public housing to a locally controlled model will free operating dollars to reinvest in more affordable units. Marathas told the board the agency currently manages thousands of units and maintains extensive waiting lists: he cited state and federal waiting figures to underscore local demand.

Public comment: Supporters included Ward 1 resident Dave McCarthy and Councilor James Devine, who praised Marathas and called the effort "tremendous." A nearby resident urged the applicant to consider traffic and stop-sign compliance on Bicknell Street because of incoming cars and school-bus activity; Marathas said additional signage or traffic calming could be considered and noted the proposal provides two parking spaces per unit.

DPW and planning signoffs: DPW told the board it had reviewed the project for the planning board and said its earlier comments to the planning board had been addressed. DPW also noted the developer should submit as-built plans and digital files after completion.

Board action: A member moved to approve ZBA 24-54 (Quincy Housing Authority / Quincy Development Corporation) for variances and a special permit to construct two eight-unit buildings (16 affordable units) at the premises listed as 0 Bicknell Street; the motion passed on a voice vote. The board thanked the applicant and noted the project's role in adding permanently affordable family units.

What the approval does not do: Approval of zoning variances and special permits clears the project for building-permit submission but does not guarantee final financing or construction start dates. The developer said it planned to partner with the Affordable Housing Trust Fund and to close federal-to-local transfers on other properties in early 2025.

Implementation notes: QHA said the buildings will be all-electric with heat pumps, that they will not use basement space for units, and that the applicant will return required as-built plans and digital files after construction completion.