Valley CDC's 27 Crafts Ave. project draws expert backing for supportive affordable units
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Summary
Valley CDC's proposed 27 Crafts Avenue affordable housing project drew support from a retired affordable-housing developer who praised unit design, onsite supportive services and the property's central location. A nearby resident clarified expected tenant rents for deepest-need units would be roughly $600'$700 monthly.
Bill Breitbart, a retired affordable-housing developer and member of Valley CDC's real estate committee, told the Community Preservation Committee on Nov. 5 that the Valley CDC proposal for 27 Crafts Avenue has many attributes of successful supportive-housing projects, including accessible units, generous unit sizes, community space and a half-time position for supportive services staff.
"I can say with some level of certainty that this is actually one of the best projects of its kind that I've ever seen," Breitbart said, citing the site's central location and proximity to transit and services as critical to success.
A nearby resident, Rachel Belanger, said she walks past the site daily and described the location as well placed for transit and amenities. Belanger also clarified an income- and rent-related point from the application: the materials list a per-unit revenue figure that includes operating subsidies; the actual rent paid by tenants in the 20 units targeted at households under 30% of area median income would likely be in the ballpark of $600 to $700, she said.
The committee accepted public comment and did not take action on Nov. 5. Members will consider funding recommendations at their Nov. 19 meeting.