New apartments for seniors proposed for South Boston
Two non-profit groups are proposing a 46-unit apartment building for low- and very low-income seniors 62 or older on a lot that has sat vacant for more than 50 years in the Mary Ellen McCormack project.
In a filing this week with the BRA, the South Boston Neighborhood Development Corp. and Caritas Communities, Inc. say the proposed $15.6-million building on O'Connor Way would help seniors stay in a neighborhood they might otherwise no longer be able to afford.
The one-bedroom apartments would all be roughly 600 square feet. In addition to the 46 rented units, the building would have a similarly sized apartment for a live-in manager.
The building would have seven parking spaces.
South Boston’s continuing gentrification, new development, and rising rents increase the housing challenges facing seniors of limited financial means seeking affordable and suitably designed housing.
The goal of providing such housing will be partially met if O’Connor Way receives the required approvals and funding to proceed.
O'Connor Way project notification form (2.8M PDF).
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Comments
Seven spaces??
I'm far from a parking advocate and the endless screaming about 2:1 parking in transit oriented new condos/apartments for young people is always ridiculous, BUT.
Only seven spaces? For 46 apartments for seniors? Part of the appeal of senior-only housing is that you can make all kind of adaptations to the buildings so it's more universally accessible, which helps seniors stay in their homes longer as their health and mobility deteriorates. Especially compared to the largely inaccessible housing that makes up the majority of the city. Plenty of seniors can/do take public transit, yes, and more shouldn't be on the road, but a lot of times in these kind of communities mobility-restricted residents will carpool with their friends who still can/do drive and run errands together.
It just seems like such an absurd proportion, especially if there's no guest parking for people's children, helpers, etc to park and visit.
At the very least I hope the inclusion of a resident manager means they will also be running a shuttle or something for group trips to the grocery store, etc.
solution?
If you're a senior who anticipates relying on a personal automobile, don't move to this complex.
Haven't you heard?
Like all other Boston residents, seniors don't drive. They ride bikes and rollerblade everywhere they need to go. No need for providing parking.
How do the elderly of Denmark
How do the elderly of Denmark or Armenia live to 100 without cars? If you think that the Tokyo's tens of thousands of centenarians drive, you are confusing life with television screenplay. No one would be safe, even they would carry groceries on rollerblades.
Some
Some do, some don't. Some do but are anticipating cutting down. This place is fine for groups 2 and 3 above. You want a deeded space? Move to a location that has them, and pay for it.
Great Project
Building to be built on a vacant space originally intended to be used for parking. Immediate access to public transportation. Hope it goes well.
I am really impressed by how
I am really impressed by how realistic this looks, but could someone who is an architect explain why it would be desirable to make a rendering with overfull trash cans in the foreground and a jaywalker?
this looks great, however we
this looks great, however we need to get the d street projects upgraded. They look very outdated. haven't been touched in forever. those people deserve better/that whole section doesn't look great for the neighborhood. lets upgrade those places.