The City of Boston celebrated a significant stride in affordable housing with the opening of the Betty Greene Apartments in Jackson Square. Joining the celebration, Mayor Michelle Wu emphasized the development's role in forging a more inclusive community. She said, "This project brings not just new homes, but new opportunities for families to live and thrive in the neighborhood they love," according to the City of Boston announcement.
Located at 1599 Columbus Avenue, the Betty Greene Apartments are designed to quickly become an integral part of the Jackson Square's revitalization efforts. The six-story building, featuring 65 units and 3,200 square feet of commercial space, aims to provide affordable living spaces to lower-income residents. Some of the apartments are reserved for households earning up to 30% of the Area Median Income (AMI), while the rest cater to those earning up to 60% of AMI, as per the mentioned release.
State Representative Sam Montaño lauded the opening, particularly noting the development's integration of affordable housing near transit options. Similarly, City Councilor Ben Weber highlighted the essential nature of the project for Boston's fight against its housing crisis. In terms of sustainability, the construction adheres to Passive House design standards, which ensures both energy efficiency and long-term affordability.
Sheila A. Dillon, Boston’s Chief of Housing, pointed out that community-led development has been the driving force behind the transformation seen in Jackson Square. "The Betty Greene Apartments are a powerful example of how we can create affordable, energy-efficient homes that reflect the character and strength of our neighborhoods," Dillon expressed in the City of Boston statement. This sentiment was echoed by Jennifer Maddox of the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, who celebrated the advancement towards alleviating the housing crisis.
The apartments honor the late Betty Greene, a renowned housing advocate and once chair of the Urban Edge Board. Her son, Brian Greene, shared his honor at seeing his mother recognized for her commitment to the community in the City of Boston announcement: "She would be proud to see her name on this building — 65 new affordable homes, right across the street from where she raised her family and led a life rooted in advocacy and love for this neighborhood."
Mayor Wu's office has been instrumental in expanding income-restricted housing in the area. With more than 17,000 housing units created in her first three years and 12,000 in the pipeline, nearly a third are income-restricted, marking a significant achievement in affordable housing.
