B’nai B’rith Housing (BBH) is excited to be working on a mixed-income development called Baker Flats, located in Boston’s West Roxbury neighborhood. West Roxbury needs housing options for its residents many of whom are feeling the pressure of the booming housing market. Currently only 3% of housing in West Roxbury is income restricted, with 52.7% of West Roxbury renter households spending more than 30% of their income on rent.
BBH’s plan will enhance the previous proposal for 270 Baker Street – now re-named Baker Flats. Baker Flats will have 60 units of new, mixed income rental housing. The three-story building will feature 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom units with parking provided for all units. BBH expects that these units will be desirable to workers, empty nesters and many others in the community. The units will be subject to income restrictions and corresponding rent limits. Some current typical maximum incomes and rents for this proposal are:
- Single Person
*Annual income $47,600 - $79,350
*Monthly rent $1,220 - $1,913
- Family of Four
*Annual income $68,000 - $113,300
*Monthly rent $1,417 - $2,437
(Income and rents are based on household size and are adjusted by HUD; excludes units eligible for rental assistance.)
Previously, a land seller obtained permits to create market rate condominiums at Baker Flats. B’nai B’rith Housing is improving the plan to better meet the needs of the community. By working with the existing permitting and respecting the ongoing community process, BBH hopes to start construction in 2021.
Please consider showing your support for BBH by adding your name to our group letter or writing a letter of your own before September 12th . We need the City of Boston to hear from residents, service providers, the faith community, and other community members who believe that quality housing options build strong inclusive communities. And for this reason we are asking you to please attend a public meeting on September 16th to speak on behalf of the need for this type of housing.
Please read the following letter of support, then fill out the form below to add your name to the list of signatories. DEADLINE: September 12th, 2019
Boston Planning and Development Agency
1 City Hall Square
Boston, MA 02201
RE: Baker Flats – 270 Baker Street, West Roxbury
To Whom It May Concern:
The signatories of this letter recognize the critical need for affordable housing in the City of Boston. It is with this in mind that we express our support for B’nai B’rith Housing’s proposed Baker Flats development located at 270 Baker Street in West Roxbury. We encourage the Boston Planning and Development Agency to approve permitting for this 60-unit rental community that will provide much needed housing for members of the local workforce, seniors, and other residents left behind by the current market.
Currently only 3% of housing in West Roxbury is affordable – the lowest percentage in the city. Baker Flats will grow West Roxbury’s affordable housing options and make excellent use of the under-utilized parking lot and undeveloped land located off of Baker Street. The development will feature 1-, 2- and 3- bedroom units, parking for all residents, community areas, a fitness room, and BBH’s award-winning, service-enriched housing model which will provide residents the services and support they need to thrive.
We believe that the permitting application for Baker Flats in West Roxbury is worthy of your approval. B’nai B’rith Housing has an outstanding reputation and a solid track record of working with towns and cities throughout Greater Boston. We are confident that Baker Flats will be an excellent addition to West Roxbury and the surrounding area, and deserves the city and state’s support.
Sincerely,
Please fill out the form below to add your name to the list of signatories.
