Women’s Institute for Housing and Economic Development Tops Off Shirley Meadows Senior Affordable Housing Development
SHIRLEY, MA - The Women’s Institute for Housing and Economic Development, a nonprofit affordable housing developer based in Boston and Hartford, held a topping-off ceremony for Shirley Meadows on November 20, 2019. Senator Jamie Eldridge joined Jessica Strunkin, Senior Vice President of Devens, and Loni Willey, Chief Operating Officer of the Women’s Institute, project funders, investors, and supporters to celebrate construction progress at Shirley Meadows, a three-story, 58-unit independent living facility in Devens for seniors age 62 and up.
“I’m extremely proud to see 58 units of truly affordable housing for seniors be built in Devens, with the support of MassDevelopment, the Women's Institute for Housing and Economic Development, and DHCD," said State Senator Jamie Eldridge (D-Acton). I was pleased to advocate with Rep. Jennifer Benson for the state funding from the Baker-Polito administration, to make this affordable housing project a reality, and believe that it will provide a much-needed option for seniors living in the Nashoba Valley on a fixed income."
Senior Vice President of Devens Jessica Strunkin recalled the 2015 Super Town Meeting of Harvard, Shirley, and Ayer that was necessary to enact the zoning change to allow the project’s construction in the Shirley Village Growth District in Devens. “Recognizing a need for additional senior housing opportunities in the region, MassDevelopment initiated an effort several years ago to amend the zoning for this land to allow for senior residential use, then selected the Women’s Institute as our preferred developer and closed on the sale of the parcel earlier this year,” said Senior Vice President of Devens Jessica Strunkin. “MassDevelopment thanks the Women’s Institute for choosing to build in Devens, and we are thrilled to welcome 58 new households to our community next summer.”
Loni Willey used the opportunity to thank the many funders and supporters of the project, remarking how it takes a village to complete a project like Shirley Meadows, with support coming from the Baker Polito Administration through the Department of Housing and Community Development, as well as MassHousing, RBC, Citizens Bank, CEDAC, Enterprise Bank and Federal Home Loan Bank. The many supporters in the audience were invited to sign a beam that will be lifted into place and become part of the projects main entrance.
Shirley Meadows will offer 38 units to households earning no more than 60% of area median income, four units to households earning no more than 50% of area median income, and 16 units to households earning no more than 30% of area median income. Supportive services will be available to all residents, allowing residents to age in place. The building will also include a large community room, a bike shelter, outdoor patio, and a community garden. Willey said, “This is an important endeavor to support the affordable housing and services needs of seniors in our communities. The Women’s Institute has created over 2,000 homes for at-risk seniors, veterans, families and individuals, and it is through collaborative public and private efforts that this critical work is made possible.”
Construction of Shirley Meadows began in May 2019, and is expected to be ready for occupancy in summer 2020. Applications for the units are being accepted through December 31, 2019 with a lottery taking place in January 2020. Dietz Associates is the architect and Allegrone Companies is the general contractor.
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