Massachusetts

The Massachusetts Historical Commission announced that round 27 of the Massachusetts Preservation Projects Fund (MPPF) grant program has been scheduled. It is anticipated that funding will be in the range of the previous grant round, which was $800,000. Applications are due March 19, 2021.

The National Housing Trust and Climate Central released an analysis evaluating the risk to affordable housing from flooding related to sea-level rise over the next 30 years. The report found, among other items, that the number of affordable rental apartments at risk from coastal flooding and sea-level rise is expected to more than triple during the next three decades.

MassHousing closed on $4.5 million in affordable housing financing to The Community Builders (TCB), for the 53-unit North Commons at Village Hill, a new, affordable and workforce rental housing community being built at the former Northampton State Hospital. All 53 rental homes at the North Commons at Village Hill will be deed-restricted and affordable to residents across a broad range of incomes.

MassHousing, the non-profit Preservation of Affordable Housing (POAH), and the City of Boston announced the closing of $36.5 million in MassHousing affordable housing financing for the development of the 135-unit The Loop Mattapan Station, a new affordable and workforce housing community in Mattapan Square. 

The National Council of State Housing Agencies held its Board of Directors election on October 26 during the association’s 2020 Annual Conference & Showcase. Nominated from among, and voted on by the executive directors of the member state housing finance agencies, NCSHA’s newly elected Board officers are:

The Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) has added $2.9 million to the HOME Program, which it received through HOME loan payments. As with the prior collection of HOME Program Income, DHCD intends to make this additional HOME Program Income available for commitment to the new HOME rental development projects.

Dakota Partners recently closed on three projects: Brookside Terrace in East Greenwich, RI; Stockbridge Landing in Scituate, MA; and Depot Village in Hanson, MA.

MassHousing closed on a total of $78.8 million in financing to Beacon Communities LLC, to complete the third phase of the redevelopment of obsolete public housing at the Anne M. Lynch Homes at Old Colony in South Boston.

The Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) released its winter 2021 rental round notice of funding availability (NOFA). Pre-applications for the winter 2021 rental round are due on October 30, 2020, with full applications due on January 21, 2021.

The Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) is offering online training sessions on DHCD subsidy program occupancy requirements.

The Affordable Housing Tax Credit Coalition (AHTCC) announced recipients of the 2020 Charles L. Edson Tax Credit Excellence Awards, recognizing some of the most outstanding affordable housing developments across the country. Congratulations to the four NH&RA members receiving awards!

Stockbridge Landing is comprised of 68 two-bedroom townhouse-style condominiums. Fifty-one units will be sold at market rate and seventeen will be entered into the affordable housing lottery for workforce families.