Above: the full group gathered in the entry way of 114 Lowell Street. Photo by Frank Tadley
In early April, HCA’s property on Lowell Street in Downing Square got some distinguished guests! To celebrate 50 years of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, the Town of Arlington held a tour of local properties that had been funded by federal CDBG funds. Our Downing Square Broadway Initiative used CDBG funds to support acquisition, predevelopment, and construction of this 48-unit project.
During the tour, HCA staff, board members, and tenants welcomed State Representative Sean Garballey, Representative Dave Rogers’ Legislative Aide, George Armstrong, Town Manager Jim Feeney, Director and Assistant Director of Planning and Community Development, Claire Ricker and Sarah Suarez, Arlington CDBG Administrator Mary Muszinsky, and Arlington Information Officer, Joan Roman.
HCA President Neal Mongold, HCA Executive Director Erica Schwarz, and tenants Gloria Mendez and Frank Tadley all shared a few words. Erica also read a short statement from tenant and HCA Board member Makeelia Parker, who couldn’t attend the tour. Each tenant noted how having affordable housing was so important for them and for the community at large.
Then the group was invited to peek into both Gloria and Frank’s apartments, to see the beautiful and comfortable affordable homes that CDBG helped make possible.
Thanks to the Town and to our elected officials, all of whom support HCA, and help ensure that important funding programs like CDBG remain available to support affordable housing!
Below are photos in tenants’ light-filled apartments: left: Tenant Gloria Mendez; right: Former HCA Board Member and HCA Tenant Frank Tadley, with current Board Member Elena Arrendol |