Dorchester Project First in Nation to Close on “Choice Neighborhoods” Funding – July 23, 2013

MassHousing announced yesterday that it has closed on financing arrangements on Quincy Heights, the first project in the nation funded under HUD’s Choice Neighborhoods grant program to reach the closing table.  The project involves the acquisition and renovation of a distressed, scattered site 11-building, 129-unit affordable housing development in Dorchester formerly known as Woodledge/Morrant Bay.  Construction is expected to begin this summer.  The new owners - Quincy Heights Limited Partnership (a partnership between the Dorchester Bay Economic Development Corporation and the Quincy Geneva Housing Corporation) - will rehabilitate 80 of the apartments and replace 49 with new construction.  All 129 homes will assisted under a recently- renewed 20-year Section 8 contract.  HUD's July 2013 Choice Neighborhoods newsletter provides additional details on the project and related neighborhood activities, including economic development.