Boston Announces More Than $16 Million to Modernize Fairmount Apartments in Hyde Park

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Mayor Michelle Wu, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) Secretary Juana Matias, Representative Rob Consalvo, and Boston Housing Authority (BHA) Administrator Kenzie Bok joined residents to announce more than $16 million in state, city, and federal funding to modernize the Fairmount public housing community in Hyde Park. This announcement represents the latest investment in the city's public housing communities.

"Over the last five years, Boston has built nearly 16,000 new units of housing throughout our neighborhoods. In order to make our city a home for everyone, we must also preserve and modernize the affordable homes that already exist," said Mayor Michelle Wu. "I'm grateful to all our partners for helping secure funding for this comprehensive, multi-phase renovation of the Fairmount Apartments, and I look forward to working with residents to deliver beautiful, upgraded homes for these families."

"The Boston Housing Authority is so grateful to our city, state, and federal partners for investing in our public housing communities," said Kenzie Bok, Administrator of the Boston Housing Authority. "With this funding, Fairmount will remain a welcoming place for families to call Hyde Park home for decades to come."

The funding includes a $10 million High Leverage Asset Preservation Program (HILAPP) grant from EOHLC, $5 million in City of Boston capital funding, and $1M of Community Project Fund investment secured by Congresswoman Pressley and Senators Edward Markey and Elizabeth Warren for the Fairmount Modernization Project. The Boston Public Health Commission has granted funds for open space improvements and community garden installations. Together, the funding will create a more accessible and resilient community.

"Residents in the Massachusetts 7th not only deserve a safe, stable place to call home, but also one that reflects modern-day needs in accessibility, resiliency, and sustainability—and this essential funding to modernize the Fairmount Apartments will do exactly that," said Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley. "This investment is a reflection of community input realized and I'm grateful for every engaged resident who made their voice heard. I'm proud to deliver this funding alongside our city and state partners in Mayor Wu, Secretary Matias, Administrator Bok, Rep. Consalvo, and others to invest in existing public housing and improve livability for our communities."

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The BHA is kicking off a Master Planning process for the Fairmount community, creating an area-wide vision while beginning a first phase of physical improvements. The initial phase of upgrades will focus on modernizing unit interiors, making 5% of apartments fully accessible, electrifying heating and hot water systems, and adding cooling. It will also include building envelope improvements and installing green stormwater infrastructure to support the community's long-term sustainability and climate resilience.

"Thanks to Governor Healey's Affordable Homes Act, HLC has been able to expand the funding needed to improve the state's public housing system," said Housing and Livable Communities Secretary Juana Matias. "We're not just building new housing, but investing in the homes we already have and the people who live in them. The preservation of Fairmount Apartments is exactly what that commitment looks like."

"I am thrilled that this enormous investment is happening at the Fairmount Housing Development, literally blocks away from my home here in Hyde Park," said State Representative Rob Consalvo. "This partnership between the State, City, and Federal government will ensure that the residents of this development will be able to live in safe, modern and accessible units now and for years to come."

An additional federal investment secured by the Congressional delegation is going to support flood mitigation for affordable housing developments, including BHA properties. The city and BHA have collaborated on multi-site stormwater projects serving the Fairmount, Gallivan, and Franklin Field communities, an effort bolstered by this federal backing. The project will fund a community garden and new rain gardens to mitigate stormwater pollution and prevent flooding. Through Boston's PowerCorps program, local residents will be trained to build and maintain the rain gardens while earning green career credentials.

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"As the District 5 City Councilor, Chair of the Boston City Council's Housing Committee, and someone who grew up in public housing, I know firsthand how important it is for families to have a place they can be proud to call home," said Councilor Enrique Pepén. "This $16 million investment in the Fairmount Apartments is exactly the kind of commitment our residents deserve, one that strengthens our communities, improves quality of life, and ensures families can continue to thrive in the neighborhoods they call home. I'm grateful to our state and federal partners for their collaboration and commitment to making this important investment possible."

"This $16 million investment is an exciting step forward in advancing affordable, accessible, and high-quality housing for residents of Fairmount Apartments in Hyde Park," said Councilor Ruthzee Louijeune. "By investing in our public housing communities, we are strengthening neighborhoods and ensuring that families have safe, stable homes where they can thrive. I look forward to seeing the lasting impact these improvements will have on Fairmount residents for years to come."

Fairmount Apartments in Hyde Park was constructed in 1951 and includes over 200 units of state public housing.

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About the Boston Housing Authority (BHA)

Boston Housing Authority provides quality affordable housing for low-income families and individuals through the public housing and Section 8 rental assistance programs. BHA fosters vital communities that are essential to Boston's economic diversity and way of life. As the largest housing provider in Boston, BHA brings stability, opportunity, and peace of mind not only to the thousands of low-income families it supports, but to the city as a whole. Learn more at www.bostonhousing.org.
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