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This section introduces some tools and techniques used
by municipalities to address planning issues.Different tools may be useful
to your community at various stages of the planning process.
You are encouraged to contact the communities that are
used as examples to discuss their actual experiences.
Development and Ownership Structures for Affordable Housing
CDCs and other Non-profit Organizations
Affordable housing can be developed and/or owned by non-profit
groups such as a community based development group, community development
corporation (CDC), or church. The advantages are that the housing can
be developed less expensively and remain affordable in perpetuity.
For a complete listing of non-profit homeowner associations
in Massachusetts, contact: CHAPA - Citizens' Housing & Planning Association,
18 Tremont Street, Boston, MA 02109. Telephone: (800) 466-3111. Or go
to http://www.chapa.org.
Examples:
- Dorchester Bay Economic Development Corporation (EDC)
takes a very broad and comprehensive approach to affordable housing
in its target area. DBEDC owns and manages 564 units, develops and rehabilitates
housing, provides housing rehabilitation loans, and works to engage
its tenants in community and educational activities. DBEDC is also well
networked in the Uphams Corner area (e.g., active Main Streets participant)
and participates in a wide variety of activities to increase quality
of life and neighborhood stability. DBEDC telephone: (617) 825-4200.
- North Shore Community Action Programs, Inc., Peabody
(for Peabody, Beverly Salem and Danvers). NSCAP's Homelessness Intercept
Program and housing programs have raised or accessed $68,000 from a
variety of sources/funds for direct payments, allowing many low-income/at-risk
families to find housing. NSCAP telephone: (978) 531-0767, ext. 106.
- Boston's Urban Edge Housing Corporation has successfully
produced/renovated properties for the low/moderate income population.
Telephone: (617) 522-5515.
- Oak Hill CDC in Worcester has also been able to access
and renovate properties for homeownership opportunities. Oak Hill CDC
telephone: (508) 754-2858.
- WEIR Corp. in Taunton also seeks to procure abandoned/distressed
properties and renovate them for home ownership or downtown revitalization.
Telephone: (508) 821-9347.
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