$30 million grant awarded to redevelop Whittier Choice public housing in Roxbury

The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has awarded a $30 million Choice Neighborhoods grant to help fund the approved $44 million Whitter Choice public housing redevelopment in Roxbury. The redevelopment will include both affordable and market-rate housing units, creating new affordable units and introducing new market-rate units. Construction of the first phase of the project could commence in September 2017.

"As we shape Boston's growth, we must make sure our progress benefits everyone, especially long-term residents of the City," said Mayor Walsh at a ceremony held Monday to announce the grant. "I'm extraordinarily proud of the dedication of our partners who have come together to create a brighter future for the residents of Whittier Street and the surrounding neighborhood." "These game-changing investments will breathe new life into our neighborhoods and offer real opportunities for the families who call these communities home," said HUD Secretary Julián Castro at the ceremony. "What we do today will leverage private investment and bear fruit for generations of families looking for an opportunity to thrive in neighborhoods that are connected to the economic and social fabric of their communities." "This is great news for the City of Boston and the Lower Roxbury neighborhood," stated Congressman Mike Capuano at the ceremony. "The Choice Neighborhoods federal grant will help transform the Whittier Street Housing Development by renovating existing affordable housing units and creating additional housing opportunities." The following is a photograph from Monday's ceremony:

This is one of the best announcements I’ve ever made in my political life: Whittier St housing development will receive a $30M @HUDgov grant pic.twitter.com/MvUYhrVUxl

— Mayor Marty Walsh (@marty_walsh) December 12, 2016

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