Construction begins on affordable Westminster housing project - who is eligible?

Construction has begun on a senior housing project in Westminster.

Once completed, the town will have 50 affordable senior apartments behind the Community Senior Center at 69 West Main St., according to officials. The $20 million-plus project’s amenities will include a community commons area, a walking trail, large storage spaces, and a community garden. Click here to see the project site plan.

“The whole process began almost 10 years ago, so it’s great to see it finally result in action,” said Town Administrator Stephanie Lahtinen.

The town and its consultant, Commonwealth Community Developers , have been jointly applying for grant funding from the state's Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities for the project since 2015, according to Lahtinen. After several denials, the grant was finally approved.

"However, due to significant inflation in construction costs, the town and CCD had to expand our request, which was ultimately fully funded by the Healey Administration in spring of 2023," she said.

Town to own the land; developer to own, operate and maintain the facility

The town has entered into a 99-year ground lease with the developers, who will own, operate, and maintain the property location. The town will only own the land, not the facility, Lahtinen said.

"This will bring the town closer to its (Chapter) 40B minimum, however we are still below the 10 percent," she said.

The town has started a waiting list for potential residents. In order to qualify as being “affordable,” the one-bedroom units will only be rented to those households that meet income limit restrictions as defined by the state. Officials are asking applicants to note that income and rent limits are recalculated by the state on an annual basis.

Forty-seven units will be for people 55 and older, and three units will be for people with disabilities. Ten units will be rented at 30 percent of the area median income, and 40 units will rent at 60 percent of the area median income.

Barring any unexpected delays, construction is expected to take between 15 and 18 months, according to officials.

The town is currently coordinating with CCD on a construction schedule.

Current income limits for affordable housing

For more information or to add your name to the waiting list, contact Administrative Assistant Caroline Albert at 978-874-7414 or calbert@westminster-ma.gov . You will need to provide your name, current address, phone number, and email to be added to the list.

This article originally appeared on Gardner News: Construction begins on affordable Westminster housing project - who is eligible?