Housing Corporation Announces Plans for Two Affordable Housing Projects

ARLINGTON, MA—Arlington could be adding two new affordable housing projects if special permits are approved, as the Housing Corporation of Arlington (HCA) has announced plans to move forward with two projects, Housing Corporation Director Pam Hallett told Patch. 

The HCA plans to move forward with a mixed-use space at 117 broadway, which is currently home to the Arlington Food Pantry. Hallett told Patch that the food pantry would remain on the parcel as a tenant, and that HCA plans to construct between 14 and 20 units on the property. 

The corporation also closed on a purchase and sale agreement at 19 Park Avenue, a parcel in which they hope to build between 27 and 35 housing units. The total number of affordable housing units could be 40 or more. 

Hallett also said that the number of units will depend on the height and size of the buildings allowed through special permits. Arlington Town Meeting recently approved zoning bylaw amendments encouraging the construction of mixed-use buildings through special permit in business and industrial zones.

Both projects will be packaged together when applying for special permits through the Arlington Redevelopment Board, according to Hallett. The HCA plans to apply for special permits with the Arlington Redevelopment Board within the month, and Hallett estimated that it would apply for state funding and tax credits in early December.