Fairhaven Housing Authoity Press Release
In a project that will dramatically improve the quality of life for its senior residents, the Fairhaven Housing Authority (FHA) will modernize a 107-unit housing development thanks to more than $4.93 million in grants from the state.
Oxford Terrace, a two-story low-rise elderly development built in 1976, will undergo a thorough renovation bringing the facility up to state-of-the-art standards, including fire alarm upgrades, kitchen and bathroom modernization and window and balcony slider replacements. Also, the grant will enable FHA to bring six existing accessible units up to current standards under the Americans with Disability Act (ADA).
“This is an exciting opportunity and an incredible award for all of us at the housing authority as well as the entire Fairhaven community,” said Krisanne Sheedy, Executive Director of the FHA. “This will enable our seniors to age in place in an environment that offers the most up-to-date amenities for independent living. The grant will also allow us to expand and improve our array of support services and outreach to our senior residents.”
The grants, awarded by the Baker-Polito Administration and the state Department of Housing and Community Development, were $3.86 million from DHCD’s Modernizing Public Housing and Supporting Elders (ModPHASE) program, and $1.07 million from the state’s Compliance Reserve for Accessibility Improvements. Noting that older adults are the fastest growing population in Massachusetts, Governor Charlie Baker said his administration is committed to making housing for seniors a top priority of state government.
The work to be done includes the installation of all-new kitchen cabinets, counter tops, backsplashes, sinks and faucets, refrigerators and stoves. The bathrooms will be remodeled with walk-in showers, new sinks and upgraded plumbing. The development’s old, heavy and inefficient single windows in the bedrooms will be replaced and new sliding glass doors will be installed in the living rooms.
Additionally, the fire alarm system will be upgraded to include audible devices and strobe fixtures, and the smoke detectors and CO detectors will be hard wired. Also, a new 100 kw standby emergency generator will be installed.
“These renovations will allow our tenants to use their apartments without restrictions and reduce concerns for their personal safety,” said Ms. Sheedy. “This work will modernize, brighten and update their apartments so they will have an enhanced quality of life.”
While the FHA regularly does smaller scope modernization projects, this is the first time the authority has undertaken such an elaborate project with this type of budget, according to Ms. Sheedy. She expects to start the process as soon as possible culminating in the selection of a design architect and project manager. She anticipates actual construction to begin in two years.
“This major multiyear renovation of a 44-year-old building is unprece-dented in the history of the Fairhaven Housing Authority,” said Fairhaven Housing Authority Chairman Jay Simmons. “On behalf of our dedicated Board of Commissioners, incredible staff, and deserving tenants, I want to thank the Baker-Polito administration and our partners at the Department of Housing and Community Development for enabling us to go forward with this work that will mean so much to the quality of life of our senior and disabled residents.”
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