Governor, Mayor and More Announce Jackson Square MassWorks Funding

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At an event in Jackson Square Monday, Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker, Boston Mayor Marty Walsh, and other officials gathered to announce that MassWorks Infrastructure Program funding will allow for the delivery of 144 new mixed-income housing units, including 72 affordable apartments, and 2,400 square feet of retail space.

The funds will allow for a number of public infrastructure improvements around the Jackson Square MBTA station, including new pedestrian walkways and bike paths, a new public road, sewer line improvements, and a new 3,000-square-foot community plaza.

The grant "complements $7 million already committed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in Jackson Square over the last seven years," said Jay Ash, the state's secretary of housing and economic development. "The MassWorks funding will be used to leverage $62.6 million worth of investments for two new transit-oriented mixed-use buildings in Jackson Square."

According to Baker, "This chance to stitch together Jamaica Plain and Roxbury through this particular initiative, which has been an ongoing piece of work for many people for many years, is a tribute to the the people who live and work here, and the collaborative spirit you've brought to this."

Walsh noted that this investment in infrastructure "represents our committed future working together. We plan, we invest, we build because we believe in this community, and the potential of this community and all of our communities."

And state Rep. Jeffrey Sánchez (D-15th Suffolk) invoked a bit of local history in celebrating the grant. "Remember: These were abandoned lots for over 45 years. The Stony Brook was the conduit for part of the Industrial Revolution -- the breweries the tanneries, wood, everything. This brook carried so much, and now it's happening again because of this vision and your investment and commitment to this community. We really appreciate the investment. It shows [what's possible] when people from differing backgrounds get together and say, 'We're going to get something done.'"

The governor's office tweeted a video of portions of the announcement.

The full press release from the governor's office's is below.

Baker-Polito Administration Awards $3.4 Million in MassWorks Infrastructure Funding to Boston

MassWorks funding will support the continued redevelopment of Jackson Square

Boston – November 7, 2016 – Today the Baker-Polito Administration announced $3.4 million in MassWorks Infrastructure Program funding to the City of Boston. MassWorks funds will allow the third phase of Boston’s redevelopment of Jackson Square, which will deliver 144 new mixed-income housing units.

“MassWorks allows us to support public infrastructure investments generating immediate investments that bring new jobs and housing to our cities and towns,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “It is also one of our most flexible programs, empowering communities to seek effective solutions to local priorities, and allowing the Administration to focus on funding projects that will generate substantial, long-term regional growth.”

“Our administration’s ongoing, close collaboration with cities and towns allows us to identify shared opportunities to unlock economic growth through targeted infrastructure improvements,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “This year’s infrastructure investments will help communities to grow their local economy, support job creation, and encourage sustainable development, in line with municipal goals and character.”

MassWorks infrastructure funds will allow Boston to make a number of public infrastructure improvements around the Jackson Square MBTA station, including new pedestrian walkways and bike paths linked to the Orange Line station, a new public road, sewer line improvements, and a new 3,000 square foot community plaza.

The infrastructure improvements will unlock Phase III of the Jackson Square redevelopment project, allowing Jackson Square Partners LLC to invest $62.6 million in the construction of two new mixed-income housing properties. The private development project will create 144 new housing units, including 72 affordable apartments, and 2,400 square feet of retail space.

The MassWorks Infrastructure Program grants funding to shovel-ready public infrastructure projects that generate additional private sector investment. MassWorks targeted investments in infrastructure, such as roadways, streetscapes, and water systems, are part of the Baker-Polito Administration’s commitment to advancing and preparing communities for new housing and economic development opportunities.

“The spirit of partnership at the heart of the MassWorks Infrastructure Program is a key component of our ongoing efforts to prepare communities for economic success, and to promote strong, vibrant regions,” said Housing and Economic Development Secretary Jay Ash. “The public-private partnerships we advance through these infrastructure awards will build a stronger economy for everyone who lives and works in Massachusetts.”

“Our capital plan reflects an approach grounded in maintaining and modernizing our existing assets and making targeted investments for the future,” said Secretary for Administration and Finance, Kristen Lepore. “The MassWorks program provides our communities and the Commonwealth with important infrastructure funding to support economic development and job creation.”

“Affordable housing builds strong, inclusive communities, and MassWorks infrastructure funding helps advance dynamic affordable housing projects, like Jackson Square,” said Undersecretary of Housing and Community Development Chrystal Kornegay. “By coordinating our affordable housing and public infrastructure resources, our administration is accelerating new housing construction, and helping municipalities deliver high-impact community development projects.”

The MassWorks Infrastructure Program provides a one-stop shop for municipalities and other eligible public entities seeking public infrastructure funding to support housing production, economic development, and job creation.

The 2016 grant round generated 114 applications, requesting $287 million in public infrastructure grant funding. Infrastructure projects awarded in the 2016 grant round will generate $1 billion in private investment in communities.

Each year, the MassWorks program allocates 10 percent of awarded funds to assist municipalities with populations of 7,000 or less in completing roadway safety and transportation improvement projects. Since its inception in 2011, the MassWorks program has invested $419 million through competitive grant rounds, in 223 projects throughout the Commonwealth.

In August 2016, Governor Baker signed An Act Relative to Job Creation and Workforce Development (H.4569) to reauthorize MassWorks and support $500 million of future investment in critical infrastructure, a significant commitment by the Commonwealth. The Baker-Polito Administration has increased MassWorks funding by $35 million over the past two fiscal years.

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