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Mattapan 350-unit complex will be converted from market-rate to affordable housing
After years of fighting rent increases and eviction filings, residents breathe a sigh of relief.
After six years of fighting, residents of the Fairlawn Estates in Mattapan can breathe a sigh of relief: their market-rate homes will permanently become affordable.
“By securing these homes as permanently affordable, we are continuing our efforts to make Boston a home for everyone and ensuring that families can continue to live and thrive in their neighborhood without the fear of being priced out,” Mayor Michelle Wu said in a statement.
In an announcement on Monday, the city said it invested $10 million from the American Rescue Plan Act to support Related Beal’s acquisition of the Fairlawn Estates, permanently converting the housing to affordable homes.
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The investment is also part of the city’s Acquisition Opportunity Program, which helps developers buy and preserve existing affordable housing.
The acquisition was possible through city funds, private investment, and loans. The newly created Boston Acquisition Fund provided a nearly $1 million commitment.
The Fairlawn Estates comprises 12 apartment buildings and a leasing office on Fairlawn Avenue, Cummins Highway, and Bismarck Street.
The release said the Flatley Companies constructed the complex in the 1960s, and it was known for its affordability. However, in 2018, that all changed when the long-awaited commuter rail stop opened across from the apartment complex. The building was sold to an investor group, and the property was rebranded as SoMa at the T. Residents faced increased rents, which resulted in evictions.
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The new owner, Related Affordable, an affiliate of Related Beal, has committed to permanently restricting all 347 units to affordable housing.
“Affordable housing is core to Related’s DNA, and we are thrilled to provide a more sustainable living solution in such an important, transit-oriented location in Mattapan,” said Kimberly Sherman Stamler, president of Related Beal.
The release said Related Affordable plans to invest $6.4 million in immediate repairs and building upgrades, including roof replacements, balcony repairs, and appliance upgrades in all apartments. Related Affordable will also focus on making the buildings more energy efficient.
The investment will ensure that half the apartments are for households earning no more than 60% of the Area Median Income, while the other half are for those earning no more than 80%.
The agreement with Related also limits rent increases to no more than 2% per year and provides ongoing support for households with housing vouchers.
The conversion to affordable housing follows years of advocacy and organizing by Fairlawn tenants, City Life/Vida Urbana, and neighbors in Mattapan.
“The constant stress of facing huge rent increases and eviction weighed on us every day over the past six years, and it wasn’t right — but we want people to know that housing is a human right and we can win the homes we deserve,” said Betty Lewis, of the Fairlawn Tenant Association. “This is a community victory won by neighbors working together.”
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