Patrick-Murray Administration Celebrates Grand Opening of Old Colony Housing Development

Press Release

Governor Deval Patrick today joined Boston Mayor Thomas Menino and local officials to celebrate the grand opening of phase one of The Homes at Old Colony affordable housing development. With $22 million in investments from President Obama's Recovery Act, $9 million from the Patrick-Murray Administration and additional private investments, the project has redeveloped 116 units of affordable housing and created more than 600 construction jobs for the region.

"By investing in the Commonwealth's affordable housing units, we are creating jobs and strengthening our neighborhoods one block at a time," said Governor Patrick. "I thank the Obama Administration, our Congressional delegation and our local partners for supporting this important project for the City of Boston."

"Old Colony will bring new life to one of the oldest public housing developments in the Commonwealth," said Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray, chair of the Interagency Council on Housing and Homelessness. "We will continue to make investments in affordable housing projects that create jobs and provide a safe and attractive home for families."

Working with the Boston Housing Authority, Beacon Communities has overseen the redevelopment and construction of the project with funding from the Commonwealth's Department of Housing and Community Development, including $5.3 million in state low-income housing tax credits, $2.2 million in federal low-income housing tax credits, $1 million in Affordable Housing Trust Funds and $750,000 in Community-Based Housing Funds.

"Redeveloping Old Colony benefits the entire South Boston neighborhood," said Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino. "By working together, we're creating jobs, building green affordable housing and pulling families out of poverty."

This first phase of the redevelopment included the demolition of 164 highly distressed units, the construction of two new streets, the construction of 116 new townhouse and mid-rise apartments and the construction of a learning center. The Joseph M. Tierney Learning Center is named for the late City Council President who lived in the Old Colony development as a child.

"My mom and dad raised me and my five sisters in the Old Colony projects," said Congressman Stephen F. Lynch. "We lived there for 15 years. It was a huge part of my life. So I am pleased to see such a significant investment in this public housing development. Phase one of Old Colony's redevelopment has not only created jobs but it has improved the quality of life for the families who live here now. I want to commend Governor Patrick and Lieutenant Governor Murray for continuing to make affordable housing a priority."

"I applaud the efforts of the Patrick-Murray Administration, the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Boston Housing Authority in revitalizing the Old Colony Housing Development which has a long and proud history in the South Boston community," said Senator Jack Hart. "The revitalization of Old Colony has turned one of the oldest and most physically distressed housing developments in Boston into a shining example of modern public housing while creating hundreds of badly needed construction jobs at a time when they are most needed."

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