Facing significant neighborhood opposition to its original 60-unit affordable housing proposal for the former French Club site on Spencer Avenue, TND announced this week that it has revised its plans in response to community feedback.
Following an October meeting with neighbors, TND has now proposed a scaled-back project: 34 units of affordable housing with 34 parking spaces in a four-story structure, along with the restoration of the Spencer Avenue extension that had been seized through eminent domain for the larger development, which would have included 60 units and approximately 52 parking spots.
Emily Loomis, director of real estate development at TND, explained the modifications: “wp-caption alignright” “We have been listening very closely and have made significant changes to this proposal. We reduced the size of the building to four stories, brought it down from 60 to 34 apartments, increased our off-street parking ratio to provide one space for each apartment, and will be keeping that section of Spencer Avenue open because we listened to our neighbors. Our conversations, phone calls, and meetings brought their ideas to the table and I am very happy with what we have designed. All along, we have been hearing a common concern across Chelsea about rents going up, and people getting pushed out. High-quality, affordable apartments directly address this concern.” “wp-caption-text”
The revised proposal includes five one-bedroom units, 22 two-bedroom units, and seven three-bedroom units, along with a public community room and common area.
The Zoning Board of Appeal will hold a hearing on December 8, with the Planning Board scheduled to review the proposal on December 15.
Councillor Matt Frank indicated he is reserving judgment pending full review of the plans. “The French Club proposal is one I’m still waiting on and don’t have a comment just yet. They brought the numbers of units down to 34 apartments and gave the street back. Until everything is out for everyone to see, I can’t form a total opinion.”
All units will be rented exclusively to households earning no more than 60 percent of the Area Median Income. Currently, the maximum income threshold for a family of four stands at approximately $59,000, which aligns closely with the average family income of about $57,000 in the surrounding census tract according to the American Community Survey. As housing costs escalate across Chelsea, Loomis noted that this development addresses an urgent need for quality affordable housing.
The affordability restrictions will remain in place for approximately 30 years, maintaining the income-based rental percentages.
TND emphasized the project’s significance in preserving Chelsea’s affordability for working families.
According to Loomis, the average rent would be approximately $1,300 monthly, including heat and hot water. In contrast, she pointed out that 550 market-rate units have been constructed in the area over recent years, with two-bedroom rents averaging around $2,000 per month without utilities.
“In order to spend 30 percent of income on housing costs, a family would need to earn at least $76,000 to afford this rent – a much higher income level than many hard working families in Chelsea earn,” TND stated.
This week, TND sent an email to neighbors who attended the October meeting and were on the organization’s contact list, outlining the revised plans for the site.