Governor Patrick Highlights 2010 Construction Season at Groundbreaking of Franklin Park Apartments

Press Release

As part of the Patrick-Murray Administration's continuing efforts to promote job growth and long-term economic recovery, Governor Deval Patrick joined with local leaders to celebrate the groundbreaking of the Franklin Park Apartments, a Massachusetts Works project facilitated by leveraging state, federal and private investments.

The Franklin Park Apartments construction will create 150 new jobs and the rehabilitation of hundreds of units, many of which serve low income and homeless residents. The project is one of several hundred scheduled to break ground this year as part of the Patrick-Murray Administration's Massachusetts Works initiative, a series of investments totaling over $4 billion that will put nearly 20,000 people to work across the Commonwealth this construction season.

"Our number one priority is putting shovels in the ground and people to work right now," said Governor Patrick. "Through investments like this one, hundreds of projects will break ground this year around the Commonwealth, which means thousands of new jobs."

"During the 2010 construction season, it is encouraging to see immediate job creation that will support the Commonwealth's recovery as well as long-term sustainability and growth," said Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray. "As we continue to create jobs across the Commonwealth, the Franklin Park Apartments project is just one of the many outstanding projects that will also lead to permanent, affordable housing options for low-income families."

The Franklin Park Apartments project will provide for the rehabilitation of and safety upgrades in over 200 units of housing thanks to over $2.5 million in Low Income Housing Tax Credits awarded by the Commonwealth's Department of Housing and Community Development, over $1.2 million in federal stimulus weatherization funds and over $26 million in financing from MassHousing. These investments leveraged over $38 million in private investment by The Community Builders, Inc.

"It is clear that the Governor and his team valued the cost effective use of resources to make critical energy, safety and livability upgrades to this older housing stock. This recapitalization will also enable us at The Community Builders to serve significant numbers of homeless families in this difficult economic climate," said Patrick E. Clancy, President & CEO of The Community Builders, Inc. "We very much appreciate all the support we have received from the Governor and his Administration, our elected officials, MassHousing and the community."

"I want to thank Governor Patrick for taking on this wonderful project to rehabilitate the Franklin Park Apartments," said Mayor Thomas M. Menino. "This project will not only provide safety upgrades for nearly 200 units of housing, but will create jobs during a very difficult economic period for our city. Working together to promote responsible development projects like the Franklin Park Apartments will continue to strengthen Boston's economy."

"The renovation of over 200 units in the Franklin Park Apartments will not only create much needed jobs, it will also improve housing opportunities for residents in our community. I commend the Governor for working to acquire federal and state funds that will stimulate the economy, as well as help provide more efficient and safe affordable housing during these tough economic times," said Representative Liz Malia.

These investments in Franklin Park are the latest in the Patrick-Murray Administration's multi-pronged strategy for growth through making strategic investments in education, infrastructure and innovation; supporting small business growth; and regional economic development.

The Massachusetts Works initiative highlights the hundreds of construction-related projects set to break ground this construction season. They include Administration-supported projects in transportation, clean energy, the environment, education, life sciences, health care, public safety and information technology. To learn more about Massachusetts Works, visit www.mass.gov/governor/massworks.

For additional information on how the Patrick-Murray Administration's agenda has led Massachusetts out of a global recession sooner and stronger than the rest of the nation visit www.mass.gov/governor/agenda.

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