In Jamaica Plain, the first shovel has officially hit the dirt at 127 Amory Street, paving the way for a new mixed-income housing development that's got community buzz. The City of Boston, Boston Housing Authority (BHA), and The Community Builders have teamed up to break ground on this transit-oriented development that's expected to churn out 96 new homes. The project nestles into the broader Jackson Square redevelopment plan, a patchwork of collaborations featuring city departments and local nonprofits.
Sheila Dillon, Boston's Chief of Housing, has thrown the City's weight behind the endeavor, affirming that the initiative is a stamp of their dedication to reshaping Jackson Square and enhancing the affordable housing scene across Beantown. According to a statement released by the City of Boston, Dillon said, "Through strong partnerships, the City is ensuring that families and individuals of all income levels in Jackson Square have access to safe, stable, and high-quality homes."
The lot for this six-story building was a generous contribution by the BHA, and the layout of the building will be inclusive of a dozen three-bedroom units, a fleet of 51 two-bedroom homesteads, and 33 snug one-bedroom spaces. The alignment of affordability targets those pulling in up to 80 percent of the Area Median Income and carves out space for 10 units dedicated to those brushing themselves off the harsh streets of homelessness.
Senior Vice President of Development at The Community Builders, Andy Waxman, was all gratitude speaking to the collaboration that's making this a reality. "We’re honored to help bring more new homes and vibrant community space to Jackson Square. Breaking ground at 127 Amory Street marks the start of construction and new opportunities for Boston families to thrive," he told the City of Boston in an interview. Beyond the walls of the homes, the development plans to unfurl an inviting 3,800 square feet of shared indoor space and the upcoming Jackson Square Greenway for residents to mingle and unwind.
The recipe for this upcoming community spot blends public and private investments, a dash of federal and state tax credits, and a swath of support from entities like the Mayor’s Office of Housing, the Community Preservation Act Fund, and Eastern Bank, among others. All these ingredients are being stirred together in Mayor Wu’s bigger pot of plans. Promises kept, the Mayor is channeling new funds into mixed-income developments, pushing a comprehensive public land audit, and smoothing out the wrinkles in approval procedures to slash permit acquiring times significantly.
