Mayor Michelle Wu of Boston has announced the acquisition of Fairlawn Estates, converting 347 market-rate apartments into permanently affordable units for Mattapan residents. Funded by a $10 million American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) investment as part of the city's Acquisition Opportunity Program (AOP), this move is designed to combat displacement and gentrification. Mayor Wu praised the combined efforts of community organizers and city officials, as reported by the City of Boston's official announcement.
Established in the 1960s, Fairlawn Estates was known to offer affordable options before coming under financial strain due to increased rents in recent years. Related Affordable, an affiliate of Related Beal, is now committing to keeping all units within a designated affordability range, a commitment that is drawing support from various elected officials. City Council President Ruthzee Louijeune recounted years of advocacy and collective action that have led to this victory. "Today is a victory for the Fairlawn tenants and their unyielding advocacy,” she said in the City of Boston announcement.
The city's $10 million ARPA investment is being leveraged ninefold with private funding sources and loans, including nearly $1 million from the newly created Boston Acquisition Fund. Hailed as a critical step in preserving community cohesion, the acquisition aims to transform the 12 buildings and leasing office of Fairlawn Avenue into energy-efficient homes with imminent improvements worth $6.4 million. Management is set to be carried on by Winn Management, ensuring continuity for residents during the transition.
In terms of income restrictions, half of the apartments will be reserved for households earning no more than 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI), and the other half for those earning up to 80% of AMI. Tenants will benefit from rent increase caps and support if they possess housing vouchers. "This administration prioritized the use of ARPA to keep our residents safe and for that we are grateful," Chief of Housing Sheila A. Dillon mentioned in the City of Boston's initial press release.
Additionally, the community has seen unyielding support from advocacy groups, with the Fairlawn Tenant Association pushing for stable housing alongside City Life/Vida Urbana. Their dedication has been acknowledged by many, including Mayor Wu, who said, “For years, Fairlawn Estates has been a pillar in our community that tenants and neighbors have organized and advocated to protect and preserve. oday’s acquisition is a major step toward protecting our communities and preventing displacement in Mattapan. By securing these homes as permanently affordable, we are continuing our efforts to make Boston a home for everyone and ensuring that families can continue to live and thrive in their neighborhood without the fear of being priced out. I’m grateful to Related for their partnership on this acquisition and City Life Vida Urbana and the Fairlawn Tenants Association for their years of organizing that made today possible," a statement obtained by City of Boston website. Since its inception, the AOP, together with the Boston Acquisition Fund, has preserved over 1,000 affordable housing units, proving to be a formidable tool against housing market pressures.
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