BOSTON— State Senator Benjamin B. Downing (D-Pittsfield) and State Representative Smitty Pignatelli (D-Lenox) are pleased to announce that the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) has awarded a $1.4 million rental development subsidy to the Crossway Towers Project in Lee.
The project, which will include multiple one-bedroom apartments for low-income seniors in the Hyde Building of the former Lee Central School, will complement Crossway Village, a multi-unit senior housing development which opened in an adjacent building in 2006. Crossway Village is owned by Elder Services of Berkshire County; providing many services to its residents including meals, recreation, homemaking, personal care and personal emergency response systems.
“I am pleased that the state has been able to help this important project move forward," Pignatelli said. “Providing our seniors with affordable and desirable housing options allows them to reside in a safe, friendly atmosphere while ensuring access to the services they need. The renovation of the former Lee Central School two years ago by Elder Services has proven very successful for many well-deserving seniors and I am excited to see this project build on that success.”
"Crossway Village is a wonderful project that will soon provide additional safe, comfortable and affordable housing for Lee elders in a community setting," said State Senator Benjamin B. Downing (D - Pittsfield). "I applaud DHCD's investment in this project and the vision of Berkshire County Elder Services will ensure that Crossway Village becomes a reality."
DHCD's mission is to strengthen cities, towns and neighborhoods to enhance the quality of life of Massachusetts residents by providing leadership, professional assistance and financial resources to promote safe, decent affordable housing opportunities, economic vitality of communities and sound municipal management. Housing Development programs provide funding opportunities to for-profit and non-profit developers and encourage the development of affordable rental projects serving both families and individuals with annual incomes at or below 80% of area median income.
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