Governor McKee is making five million dollars in funding available in order to revitalize some neighborhoods.
The idea is to improve neighborhoods and get properties back on tax ledgers.
“Replacing nuisance properties with community assets such as affordable housing units is a win-win for our residents,” said Lt. Governor Sabina Matos. “I applaud our voters for supporting these investments and our community partners for leading this important work.”
The money comes about after the state’s voters approved a state bond referendum for some 65 million dollars to increase the number of affordable housing units in the state among other things.
Among the properties being rehabbed are:
Community Music Works Center, Providence, sponsored by Community Music Works, will construct a new 24,000 square foot community facility on a vacant lot at 1326 Westminster St. in Providence. This project will transform a blighted lot into a vibrant community center promoting youth music education, music performance, and community building. The new facility will include performance space, classrooms, a music library, administrative offices, and a ground floor café open to the public.
Copley Chambers Phase I, Providence, Marathon Development will renovate a blighted historic building at 206 Broad St. into a mixed-use development. This project will provide 26 affordable housing units and supportive services for residents earning between 30 percent and 80 percent of area median income (AMI) as well as an ancillary commercial space for a service provider. The building is officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Hannah Homes, Providence, SWAP, Inc. will demolish existing blighted buildings and construct three two-family homes on the site. Owner-occupied units will be restricted to eligible buyers at 100 percent of AMI; rental units will be restricted to tenants with incomes at or below 80 percent of AMI.
Central Street Phase II, Central Falls, Pawtucket Central Falls Development (PCFDC) will revitalize an existing blighted building and vacant lot to create ten affordable three-bedroom rental units for residents earning between 30 percent and 80 percent AMI. Three units will be designated for homeless youth transitioning out of foster care. PCFDC has partnered with Foster Forward, who will provide a subsidy and long-term case management for residents of these three units.
Governor McKee says that because of the foresight of voters the state is able to create the program and work toward a more stable housing market.
(Photo by STEFANI REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Images)
Photo: Getty Images