Boston Chron - Boston: Office of Housing, JPNDC, and New Atlantic Development Celebrate 39 New Affordable Homes for Seniors

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The Office of Housing today joined the Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Development Corporation (JPNDC), New Atlantic Development, state housing officials, local elected officials, and community members to celebrate the grand opening of Montaña Urbana Homes at 3371 Washington Street in Jamaica Plain. The new five-story development provides 39 affordable apartments for older Bostonians, combining income-restricted housing with on-site supportive services, community gathering space, and an energy-efficient design. Located just one block from the Green Street MBTA station, the development will help older residents live independently while remaining connected to their neighborhoods.

"Too many older Bostonians are struggling with rising housing costs, particularly those living on fixed incomes," said Sheila A. Dillon, Chief of Housing. "Developments like Montaña Urbana Homes provide the affordable housing and stability older adults need to remain in the communities they call home. By combining affordable rents with on-site services and opportunities for social connection, this development will help residents maintain their independence, stay connected to their families and neighbors, and remain active members of their communities. The City is proud to support this important housing resource in Jamaica Plain."

Developed through a partnership between JPNDC and New Atlantic Development, Montaña Urbana Homes transformed a site near the corner of Washington and Green Streets into affordable housing for older adults. The building includes 39 one-bedroom apartments for residents earning up to 60% of the area median income, along with an 800-square-foot community space and kitchen. Residents will also have access to supportive services that promote health, independence, and social connections.

Peabody Resident Services will provide on-site supportive programming, including a resident service coordinator and a regional wellness nurse. These professionals will help residents access health care, community resources, and other services that support their well-being. The building's shared spaces will also create opportunities for residents to connect with neighbors and build a supportive community.

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"Our elders deserve safe, affordable homes where they can thrive," said Teronda Ellis, Chief Executive Officer of JPNDC. "Housing costs are a major source of financial insecurity for elders in Boston, and developments like this are an important part of the solution. We respect our elders, and they deserve accessible, quality housing where cost is not a burden, where they can find community rather than isolation—creating a path to joy, comfort, and dignity as they live out their later years. We need our elders to share their stories and recipes with us, and to help carry forward the shared principles of intergenerational connection that have sustained our communities for generations."

The development was built to Passive House standards, supporting Boston's efforts to reduce carbon emissions and create more sustainable housing. The building's energy-efficient design reduces energy use while providing comfortable indoor temperatures and healthier living conditions year-round. The project's commitment to sustainable design recently earned national recognition from Phius, which named Montaña Urbana Homes at 3371 Washington Street a winner in its annual Passive Projects Design Competition. The juried competition recognizes certified passive building projects for their energy performance, design, cost-effectiveness, craftsmanship, and use of healthy building materials. The award highlights how affordable housing can incorporate innovative, energy-efficient design while meeting the needs of older residents.

"When I look at what JPNDC, Peabody Properties and the City of Boston have done here, I don't just see a beautiful new building. Instead, I see dignity given back to our seniors. Too often, senior housing feels overlooked or neglected, but here every detail shows compassion and care. This housing provides everything I need to thrive, all wrapped in a beautiful environment that truly honors us senior citizens," said Mayra Gutierrez, a new resident of Montaña Urbana Homes.

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The Montaña Urbana Homes development was made possible in part by financing from the Mayor's Office of Housing, Neighborhood Housing Trust, the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, MassHousing, MassDevelopment, CEDAC, Massachusetts Housing Partnership, Mass Save, Dorfman Capital, Eastern Bank, and Boston Financial.

"Affordable, accessible housing is essential to helping older Bostonians remain independent and engaged in their communities," said Emily Shea, Boston's Age Strong Commissioner. "Montaña Urbana Homes offers more than affordable apartments. It creates opportunities for residents to access important services, build friendships, and stay active and connected. This is the kind of housing that helps make Boston a city where people can age with dignity and security."

"Montaña Urbana Homes development shows what can happen when public agencies, community organizations, and private development partners work toward a shared goal," said Brian Goldson and Bill Madsen Hardy, owners of New Atlantic Development. "The support of Jamaica Plain residents, local businesses, community groups, and our public partners was essential to bringing this project to completion. We are proud to help deliver homes that will serve older Boston residents for years to come."

Since taking office, Mayor Michelle Wu's administration has made aging in place a key part of Boston's housing and community strategy, expanding affordable housing opportunities for older adults while investing in programs that help residents remain stable, connected, and independent in their neighborhoods. Over the past five years, the City has completed 713 income-restricted homes for older adults and permitted another 594, bringing the total to more than 1,300 homes completed or approved for development. Through the Mayor's Office of Housing, the City is also investing in programs that help longtime homeowners maintain their properties and age in place. Initiatives such as the Senior Home Repair Program and Seniors Save provide financial assistance for essential home repairs and heating system replacements, helping older residents remain in safe, comfortable homes. The City also provides housing stability services to help older renters facing eviction or displacement. Through the Age Strong Commission, the City has awarded more than $2 million to over 70 community partners while expanding neighborhood programming, transportation assistance, behavioral health resources, and benefits enrollment services. Together, these efforts reflect the Wu administration's commitment to helping older Bostonians remain independent, financially stable, and connected to the communities they helped build.

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