Photo: Madison Rodgers/WBZ NewsRadio
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — Boston leaders announced Monday that the Fairlawn Estates in Mattapan will permanently become income-restricted housing.
The nearly 350 apartments in the complex have been bought by the affordable housing sector of Related Beal, according to Sheila Dillon, Boston housing chief.
The complex is currently market-rate housing, and existing tenants will not have their rent increased by more than 2%, Dillon said.
Built in the 1960s, the Fairlawn Estates were long known as affordable housing. Over the past few years, the property was re-branded as SoMa at the T, and rent continued to increase, forcing people out of units.
“We all know that the risk of rent hikes and the threat of eviction hang over every decision that families have to make,” Boston Mayor Michelle Wu said.
Wu said tenants organized and fought the rent increase, consistently calling on city representatives. The city of Boston is now investing nearly $11 million into the project.
Related Beal also plans to put forward over $6 million for immediate repairs, including roof replacements, balcony repairs, and appliance upgrades in all units, according to the city.
Half of the Fairlawn Estates will be restricted to those who make no more than 60% of the Area Median Income, and the other half will be reserved for those who make no more than 80%.
“Today’s acquisition is a major step toward protecting our communities and preventing displacement in Mattapan,” Wu said.