Builder selected for housing project

WestMass ElderCare, the South Hadley Housing Authority and ElderCare Initiatives announced last week the selection of N.L. Construction, Inc. of Ludlow, as the general contractor for the Elder Supportive Housing Project funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

HUD awarded WestMass ElderCare $5.1 million in Section 202 Capital Advance Funds and Project Rental Assistance Funds in Nov. 2004 to build the elder housing project to be located on Canal St. in South Hadley. The facility will provide a variety of supportive services to individuals 65 or older.

Priscilla Chalmers, executive director of WestMass ElderCare, the sponsor and developer agency receiving the award said, "We are eager to move ahead with construction of the Supportive Housing project. It will be an excellent option for frail elders desiring to remain at home with the assistance of a variety of services. WestMass ElderCare intends to offer personal care, meals, housekeeping and other services to eligible residents."

Constance Clancy, board president of ElderCare Initiatives, the private non-profit owner corporation, commented that "the general contractor bid process was conducted in a series of careful and deliberate steps that began last year with a public legal notice to request qualifications from contractors." Clancy also stated that, "The ElderCare Initiatives Board feels we've chosen the best contractor for this type job from the pool of qualified candidates who bid."

N.L. Construction has previous construction experience with a similar housing facility in Lee, as well as elder housing in Holyoke, Springfield and Turners Falls. The company also built the Hampden Senior Center.