The Boston Planning & Development Agency (BPDA) Board of Directors approved three new projects in Brighton and Dorchester, Boston. These projects cover about 1,027,190 square feet and will result in 152 residential units. 84 percent of these units will be income-restricted. The projects are projected to create 841 construction jobs and 1,799 permanent jobs.
One project is at the St. Mary’s Center for Women and Children at 90 Cushing Avenue in Dorchester. The center will get new housing and a renovated building. This will result in 71 new income-restricted housing units for low-income families and the renovation of 51 existing shelter units. A parking garage and a transitional housing building will be demolished to make way for the new housing. The renovated building will continue to house the St. Mary’s adult family shelter program, Margaret’s House, and the Young Parenting Living Program.
St. Mary’s Center, in the former St. Margaret’s Hospital, supports over 500 women and children annually. It offers services such as shelter, clinical and educational assistance, job training, employment placement, and help in securing permanent housing. The new development is near public transportation, the Boston Public Library, grocery stores, and retail options.