Chapin School project receives additional funding from state

Date: 7/18/2014

CHICOPEE – The re-use of the Chapin School has taken one more step forward.
   
On July 7, the Patrick Administration announced $83.6 million in funding for 24 housing projects across the state and the development of housing for veterans at in the former school building is among those to have received funding.
   
The project is being undertaken by Soldier On Inc. and the O’Connell Development Group Inc. and according to Andrew Crystal, vice president of the O’Connell Development Group, the state awarded the project $936,000 in tax credits.
   
Crystal explained to Reminder Publications the project would receive funding through the sale of the Low Income Housing Tax Credits.
   
He said the plans are being completed for the project for its financing. Construction is hoped to begin next year, he added.
   
When completed, the project will include 43 units of housing for veterans, all of which will be affordable. Nine of the 43 units will be reserved for households earning less than 30 percent of area median income.
   
“Affordable housing helps to generate jobs, grow local businesses and strengthen our communities,” Gov. Deval Patrick said. “Government’s role is to help people help themselves, and sustainable affordable housing will create growth and opportunity in our communities that will last for generations to come.”