Boston’s affordable housing investment by the numbers

We’re breaking down Mayor Wu’s plan for 802 units in eight neighborhoods.

Boston skyline along the Charles River in winter.

The 17 projects will help open new doors for Bostonians.

Photo by @bostonomics

The possibility of homeownership for Bostonians just moved closer.

Yesterday, Mayor Wu and City of Boston officials recommended investing $67 million to create and preserve 800+ income-restricted housing units across eight neighborhoods. These mixed-income housing units include rental housing and new homeownership opportunities for low- and moderate-income residents.

Here’s what we know about the projects:

  • 17 total proposals have been approved to bring 802 units to the city.
  • 160 units will be income-restricted for seniors.
  • All projects meet the standard for zero emissions buildings.

Where did the funding come from?

Here are a few neighborhoods receiving funding:

  • Chinatown$11.8 million to create 100+ units on city property and 17,700 sqft will be used to build a Chinatown branch of the Boston Public Library.
  • Dorchester$3.9 million to renovate the historic Dorchester Saving Bank in Uphams Corner and build the mixed-use Columbia Crossing development, which will create 48 apartments and work-live spaces for artists. Also, $5 million will transform five vacant City-owned parcels into 12 rental units and 18 homeownership opportunities.
  • Jamaica Plain$6.2 million to redevelop the former Blessed Sacrament Church and create 55 mixed-income units of rental housing and a new performance space for the Hyde Square Task Force Creative Arts Program + $5.2 million for a new six-story, income-restricted building with 65 units.
  • Mattapan$6 million for the Brooke House at Olmsted Village development, a 125-unit mixed-use building, a child care center, a health care center, a community space, and a small convenience store.
  • Roxbury$6.1 million to build new housing and meeting space for the Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts.
  • South Boston$5.1 million to fund 36 senior rental units + create new program spaces for the Paraclete Center, allowing the organization to continue offering after-school programs.