County Commissioners Approve $2.5 Million for Housing
From The Office of Barnstable County Board of Regional Commissioners
December 7, 2023 [BARNSTABLE COUNTY, MA] – Yesterday the Barnstable County Board of Regional Commissioners approved $ 2.5 million for three critical affordable housing initiatives in the first round of ARPA housing grant awards. The County has committed a total of $11.4 million in ARPA funds for affordable housing projects and will allocate the remaining funds within the next few weeks.
In making the awards, Chairman Mark Forest said, “These housing initiatives will increase the inventory of affordable housing for Cape residents, expand the supply of housing for our workforce and leverage considerable local, private, state and federal funds.”
Housing Assistance Corporation (HAC) received a $1.5 million grant for a project at 268 Stevens Street in Hyannis. The funding will enable the construction of 40 affordable condominium units for households earning 100% of area median income (AMI). David Quinn, VP of Real Estate Development at the Housing Assistance Corporation emphasized that the $30 million dollar project represents a collaboration between the Town of Barnstable, Barnstable County, Housing Assistance Corporation, and Mass Housing. He said, “The funding from the County represents 5% of the total cost which is huge to cross the finish line on this project. We truly appreciate the support.”
HAC also received a $571,988 grant for the development of 14 affordable rental units at 107 Main Street in Orleans, a project that has received considerable local support.
The Commissioners approved a $280,680 grant for the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce’s Workforce Housing Program, which targets the redevelopment of blighted and underutilized commercial properties into housing for the year-round and seasonal workforce. Lauren Barker, Director of Government Relations at the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce, emphasized the project’s importance, stating, “Housing is the top issue that we hear about from the business community in terms of their ability to operate and remain viable in our region. It affects everything from labor supply to retaining a skilled workforce… We are pleased to collaborate with our businesses and devise creative solutions. We look forward to working with [Barnstable County] to make that happen.”
The Board awarded the Falmouth Housing Trust with a $163,425 grant for a creative homeownership project. “Falmouth Housing Trust is deeply appreciative of this grant from Barnstable County, which will enable us to finalize four deed-restricted affordable homes. These homes will be made available through a lottery system to eligible families who reside and work on Cape Cod. Our mission is to establish affordable homeownership opportunities for our local workforce,” said Karen Bissonnette, Executive Director of Falmouth Housing Trust.
Kristy Senatori and Erin Perry of the Cape Cod Commission provided an update on the Cape Cod Freshwater Initiative, emphasizing its science-based approach to restoring the health of Cape Cod’s 900 freshwater lakes and ponds. Project partners recently completed their first full monitoring season, examining 50 ponds. In addition, satellite imagery and remote sensing, has enabled the initiative to compiled data on water clarity dating back to 2015, encompassing 195 ponds and expanding their information network. Notably, an economic analysis that is nearing completion suggests that homes situated near ponds with improved water quality would benefit in increased home sale prices. The initiative places a high priority on community engagement to ensure the preservation of Cape Cod’s freshwater resources for future generations. Follow this initiative at www.capecodcommision.org
The Fiscal Year 2023 Annual Report was presented by Sonja Sheasley, Communications Coordinator. Ms. Sheasley highlighted the County’s key achievements in FY23. The FY23 Annual Report is now available at www.capecod.gov/annual_reports
ABOUT BARNSTABLE COUNTY REGIONAL GOVERNMENT OF CAPE COD Barnstable County provides exemplary government functions and services to keep our community healthy and safe, promote sustainable growth, and offer a proactive, open government that enhances the quality of life for the citizens of Barnstable County. Learn more at www.capecod.gov.
