As adults discussed potentially significant plans for redeveloping the Innes Housing Development on Central Avenue, children in another part of the room were engaged in their own imaginative exercise.
The youngsters colored pictures of new homes complete with rainbows and swimming pools, their enthusiasm matching that of the approximately 50 adults who had assembled at the Boys & Girls Club on Tuesday night, Dec. 6, for the first resident working group meeting regarding the possible mixed-income redevelopment of the aging complex.
“Seriously, I’m very excited,” Ricardo Figueroa noted, participating in a visioning exercise where residents articulated their most important aspirations for any future development. “I have lived in this city for 43 years, so I am allowing myself to dream a bit. I have said I would like an indoor pool. I like to have PlayStations and a clubhouse for the kids. I’d also like handicap accessibility. I think that’s really important.”
The meeting brought together residents with representatives and architects from potential developer Corcoran/SunCal, who came to listen and help shape residents’ vision for the new development.
While some residents prioritized basic needs like safe, clean housing, others envisioned more ambitious features including in-unit washing machines, granite countertops, computer facilities and improved parking options.
An initial organizing meeting had taken place in October, with additional sessions planned for the winter and spring months.
Chelsea Housing Authority Director Al Ewing cautioned that nothing has been finalized and numerous steps remain before development could commence. Currently, he explained, the CHA is utilizing a $300,000 planning grant obtained last September through a competitive process administered by the Department of Housing and Community Development.
“We have a lot of hurdles to go through,” he noted. “This is a process and not an event. This is a feasibility study right now. We’re still trying to see if this can work. We’re still not at the point where the project is a definite go. We’re still trying to get there, but it is exciting to be at this point.”
The CHA Board and Ewing determined the previous year to pursue state funding for rebuilding the Innes Development, which requires substantial capital improvements beyond the CHA’s current and projected financial capacity. The competitive grant process was highly competitive, and Chelsea’s selection proved fortunate.
Corcoran/SunCal, a Dorchester-based partnership currently undertaking similar work on the Bunker Hill Housing Development in Charlestown, joined the effort in August to facilitate planning and potentially execute the project.
The proposed development carries a $100 million price tag, with the majority coming from private sources.
The plan includes 318 total housing units with mixed income levels, preserving all 96 existing public housing units in their current configurations (42 two-bedroom, 48 three-bedroom, and 6 four-bedroom units) as brand new construction integrated throughout the development rather than segregated. An additional 222 market rate units would be included.
Four six-story buildings would house the units, featuring new construction throughout, with surface and below-grade parking, a community clubhouse, fitness center and retail components.
According to Corcoran, private funding would cover 80 percent of the project through private equity and mortgage debt, with $4.8 million in DHCD funding and a $3 million MassWorks grant providing additional support.
Ewing has indicated he would negotiate a 99-year ground lease to protect the public housing should the state fund the CHA’s proposals. He noted that if funded, residents would be temporarily relocated with the opportunity to return to new units.
At Tuesday’s meeting, Jen Corcoran of the development team indicated another meeting would likely occur in January to advance the work. Spring meetings would reach out to the broader Chelsea community and neighboring areas for more detailed discussions about the potential project.
The anticipated timeline, she noted, would involve two development phases.
Housing Opportunities Unlimited, the team’s professional relocation company, would begin relocating tenants in early 2018.
“What I want everyone to take home tonight from this meeting is we’re here to help you every step of the process,” Damian Clark stated. “We will come into your home and work with you and make sure you are satisfied with your relocation. That’s what we do.”
According to Clark, relocation expenses would be fully covered, encompassing boxes, movers and supplies.
Any relocated resident would have guaranteed ability to return to the development, Corcoran emphasized.
“All residents in good standing have a right to return to the development of Innes aft a temporary relocation,” she stated. “When they return they will pay no more rent and related occupancy costs, like heat and hot water, than they currently pay. They will also retain all their rights as public housing tenants once back.”
The first phase was expected to open and be occupied by summer 2019, she added.
Gerry McCue from Chelsea Public Schools reported that coordination with the CHA and Corcoran was underway to ensure student education would not be disrupted during relocation.
Ewing noted efforts to identify available Chelsea housing units and other city locations, combined with the two-phase construction approach, to keep residents within Chelsea rather than requiring moves to surrounding communities like Revere or Everett.
“We have vacancies in other of our developments we believe we can put people in so they don’t have to move out of the city,” Ewing stated. “We’re trying to make sure there are a few disruptions as possible to the residents.”
The subsequent resident working group meeting is anticipated around Jan. 17.