DEVELOPMENT OF AFFORDABLE HOMES FOR SENIORS

Protecting prime real estate from market-rate development

Purchased by JPNDC and New Atlantic Development on January 7, 2020
L-shaped parcel on Washington and Green Streets
The existing building was home to two small businesses, El Embajador Restaurant and DeChain Auto Service. Both businesses received substantial payments under the Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act.
Plans call for a new building with 38 100% affordable senior apartments and 1 unit for a live-in responder.

Our Small Project Review Application was approved by the Boston Planning and Development Agency (BPDA) on 1-14-21.
The JP Neighborhood Council approved the zoning on 2-3-21.
The City of Boston Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) approved this project on 2-23-21.
May 2021: project paused due to lawsuits
May 2022: JPNDC and New Atlantic Development reach settlement with Turtle Swamp Brewing and Monty Gold. Project changes were made to address concerns raised by abutting owners, without affecting the number of units or quality of housing.
Summer 2022 – Winter 2023: Design development and review
Summer 2022 – Spring 2023: Finish assembling financing
Mid-2023: Community updates
Early 2024: Construction start

Small Project Review Application to the Boston Planning and Development Agency, 9-23-20

BPDA Approves Washington Street Project, Jamaica Plain Gazette, Jan. 22, 2021

current view

Affordability has declined rapidly along the Washington Street corridor. Along 13 blocks between Forest Hills and Egleston Square, more than than seven new developments with 900+ units—the vast majority of which are market-rate, with rents starting at over $2,300 for a studio—have gone into construction over the past six years.
3371 Washington Street represents a victory for all the community members who pushed for higher affordable housing requirements in the JP/Rox planning process.
According to researchers at UMass Boston’s Gerontology Institute, nearly two-thirds of Boston’s single older adults face economic insecurity—the second highest rate among US cities. The shortage of affordable housing that is adapted for aging residents is a huge piece of this crisis.
Many organizations and community members played a role. The City of Boston, especially Chief of Housing and Director of the Department of Neighborhood Development Sheila Dillon; attorney Gabriela Mendoza, City Life/Vida Urbana, Keep it 100% Egleston, Egleston Square Main Street, City Councilor Matt O’Malley, and State Representative Liz Malia.