Bayberry Courts On Track for Late Summer Occupancy

Bayberry Courts affordable housing project, located on Kingstown Road is on schedule for occupancy in late summer or early fall, says Dorothy Yeaman, Chief Operating Officer for South Shore Mental Health Center.

The building, set back on AP Lot 40-1 and adjacent to the Public Safety Complex, presently cloaked in green is not a Chinese Restaurant.

According to representatives of Calson Construction and from public comments at town meetings, residents have been confused by the “Coming Soon” sign that sits on an adjacent lot on Kingstown Road. As of this printing, and according to Vincent Murray, planning director, no formal plans have yet been submitted for a restaurant.

The project, a 10-unit low to moderate income housing apartment complex, owned by South Shore Mental Health Center, Inc. is being developed under grant funding obtained through the Women’s Development Corporation.  The WDC secured funding through multiple sources and state grants, including Thresholds, Building Better Homes and the state Office of Housing and Urban Development, also managing construction on the project. 

According to Susan Aitcheson, vice president, the project has progressed smoothly through the process. Speaking in to community concerns on affordable housing developments, Aitcheson said, “I don’t think that the issue is necessarily pre-conceived notions about housing projects. Residents tend to speak out regarding any housing or issue that causes change in the community. It sometimes takes many months to dissuade those concerns.”

Intended as a 100 percent affordable housing project and garnered under HUD Section 811, Supportive Housing for People with Disabilities, when complete, the complex will offer 10 one-bedroom apartments to individuals with chronic disabilities, allowing them to live independently within the community. Supportive of the Town’s Affordable Housing Production Plan, the project provides for the availability of additional housing for the town’s special needs population.

The project is ahead of schedule, with the resident screening process presently in the works.

“That portion of the project is handled by an outside property manager, Gateway Healthcare, who is familiar with this type of housing,” says Yeaman. “There are rules around who is eligible for these residences and Gateway Healthcare is qualified to handle the process.”

The WDC is also supporting a proposed 20-unit addition to La Casa Apartments, another 100 percent affordable housing, age restricted senior housing plan. The matter is before the Planning Board for conceptual master plan and preliminary plan public hearing.

 The Planning Board of Review will meet next month on April 12.