Posted on November 9, 2006
Attleboro Mayor Kevin Dumas cut the ceremonial ribbon at the Oct. 26 event and was acknowledged for the city’s contribution of $150,000 in federal HOME funds to the effort. Dumas said the effort was important to the city because it not only added affordable housing but preserved the architecture of the existing school building.
Also acknowledged was the Massachusetts Housing Partnership (MHP) for its contribution of $1.6 million in permanent long-term financing, which helped support the redevelopment of the school into 38 new affordable housing units that will include six one-bedroom, 26 two-bedroom, and six three-bedroom apartments.
Attleboro’s Bliss School had been a significant landmark in the city, and the project sponsors, Great Bridge Properties (GBP), worked alongside city officials and community members to maintain its historic character. With extensive community support, GBP was able to preserve and rehabilitate the primary school building, while adding 30 affordable units in a new wing at the rear. Bliss School was developed as a so-called “friendly 40B,” meaning that developers had the support of the city and used the state’s comprehensive permit bylaw to build at a higher density than neighborhood zoning allowed.
The new Bliss School Apartments is located near downtown and close to employment, with a hospital located directly across the street. Despite its having been vacant for over 20 years, William C. Caselden of Great Bridge Properties recognized the development potential when he first visited the site in 2003.
“The project wanted to be done. The community wanted it to be done,” said Caselden.
In addition to city and MHP funding, the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) awarded $4 million in low-income housing tax credits as well as $550,000 in federal HOME funds. This funding ensures that all of the units will be affordable to families who earn 60 percent of average median income, while several units will be additionally affordable at 30 percent of the median income.
Caselden referred to MHP as an effective facilitator for low- and moderate-income housing. “I wish there were more places like MHP,” Caselden said. “Elsewhere, we have to explain everything, whereas MHP understands our business, and that increases efficiencies.”
The Bliss School Apartments mark the second time that MHP has collaborated with Great Bridge on an affordable housing effort. In 2002, MHP provided a $1.4 million loan for the development of 30 new affordable apartments in Haverhill.
MHP is a quasi-public state agency that provides permanent financing for affordable rental housing. MHP uses private bank funds to finance affordable housing due to a 1990 state law that requires banks that purchase other banks to make funds available to MHP. Since 1990, MHP has provided over $430 million in permanent loans for the financing of 12,000 units of rental housing. In addition to financing, MHP helps cities and towns initiate and develop affordable housing. It also provides homeownership opportunities through the SoftSecond Loan Program, a mortgage program for low and moderate-income first-time homebuyers.
For more information, contact MHP's Callie Clark by email or at 617-330-9944 ext. 336.