Representative Ayanna Pressley recently retweeted a statement made by Aaron Gornstein, touting the success of the Flat 9 at Whittier development in Roxbury. The tweet stated that 134 apartments had been built and an additional 172 units were underway.
The Flat 9 at Whittier development is part of a larger effort to address the affordable housing crisis in Boston. According to data from the Boston Planning & Development Agency, over half of Boston residents are renters and nearly one-third of those renters are considered “rent burdened,” meaning they spend more than 30% of their income on rent.
To combat this issue, Mayor Marty Walsh launched Housing a Changing City: Boston 2030 in 2014. The plan aims to create more than 53,000 new units of housing by 2030, with a focus on increasing affordability for low- and moderate-income residents.
The Flat 9 at Whittier development is one piece of this larger puzzle. The project was developed in partnership between Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Development Corporation (JPNDC) and Urban Edge, two non-profit organizations focused on community development.
The development includes both affordable and market-rate units, with rents ranging from $700 per month for studio apartments up to $2,200 per month for three-bedroom units. The project also includes amenities such as community space and outdoor areas for residents to enjoy.
While there has been some pushback from community members who feel that projects like Flat 9 at Whittier will lead to gentrification and displacement, supporters argue that these developments are necessary to provide safe and affordable housing options for all residents.
Representative Pressley’s retweet suggests her support for efforts like Flat 9 at Whittier that aim to increase access to affordable housing in Boston. She has been vocal about her commitment to addressing issues related to income inequality and affordable housing during her time in office.
In a statement to the press, JPNDC Executive Director Richard Thal emphasized the importance of projects like Flat 9 at Whittier in addressing the affordable housing crisis: “We are thrilled to have completed this project and provide high-quality, affordable homes for local residents. It is only through partnerships like ours with Urban Edge that we can make a real impact on the housing crisis in Boston.”
As Boston continues to grapple with rising rents and limited affordable housing options, developments like Flat 9 at Whittier will likely continue to be a key part of the city’s efforts to address these issues.