Modernization
The BHA's Modernization Department manages the capital improvements program for the family and elderly/disabled public housing developments. The capital program includes the development and oversight of state-funded (DHCD) and federally-funded (HUD) capital budgets, long-term planning and the selection and management of architects/engineers and contractors.
Priority goals for the capital program are to maintain the BHA's housing in good, safe condition and accessible for all. Modernization efforts such as new roofs, improved heating systems and controls, plumbing or electrical system replacements, brick repointing and more.
Resident involvement is encouraged in the capital program with needs assessment meetings, designer selection committees, temporary relocation planning (when needed) and ongoing project meetings. The department staff works closely with residents, other BHA staff and the outside contractors to ensure that schedules and budgets are met and that these major investments support BHA's overall mission to provide stable, quality and affordable housing.
Current Modernization Projects
Development Initiative
The BHA is committed to rehabilitate its existing properties and preserve them for future generations.
Though BHA apartments today are safe and well-maintained, Brookline public housing is at serious risk. Traditional state and federal public housing funding have fallen far short of capital needs. Most properties face multi-million-dollar capital repair deficits. Plumbing and mechanical systems are well beyond their typical useful life, energy use is inefficient, kitchens and bathrooms are old and tired, and land is not well utilized.
Funds are available outside of traditional public housing programs to support major redevelopment. The BHA is using the federal government's Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) program to rehabilitate the federal properties. The BHA will pursue redevelopment of its state properties as programs and funding opportunities become available. The BHA will also examine opportunities for it to build new affordable housing in Brookline.
The BHA looks forward to working with its partners in Brookline and elsewhere to ensure funding, zoning and permitting, and other support needed to maintain Brookline’s legacy of high-quality affordable housing is available.
Throughout this process, the BHA commits to:
- All of the existing 920+ apartments will remain affordable housing and will serve low-income seniors, families, and people with disabilities in perpetuity.
- Construction will comport with Brookline standards for high quality materials and design.
- Redeveloped properties will be energy efficient and environmentally friendly.
- The planning process will be inclusive and incorporate the views of Town stakeholders and especially the residents of BHA housing.
- The BHA intends to explore the possibility of adding new units to its current inventory of apartments, to serve a wider range and greater number of households and to generate capital for repair of the existing units.
Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) Program
RAD is a program of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) that seeks to preserve affordable housing. It achieves this goal by allowing Housing Authorities to change their subsidy from the Public Housing program to the Section 8 Program. RAD allows Housing Authorities to attract capital to improve their buildings that would otherwise be unavailable under the Public Housing program. Occupancy rules and resident rent payments remain the same as under Public Housing.
Because RAD is a federal program run by HUD, it only applies to the BHA's federal buildings:
- Morse Apartments in process
- O'Shea House in process
- Sussman House in process
- Kickham Apartments
- Colonel Floyd Apartments
- Walnut St. Apartments
Documents and Links
Colonel Floyd Redevelopment Project
On January 14th, 2021, the Brookline Housing Authority submitted an Application for Chapter 40B Project Eligibility/Site Approval to the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) for the redevelopment of Colonel Floyd Apartments at 32 Marion Street. The application, known as a PEL, is now in a 30-day review period with the Town. The Select Board will accept comments at a meeting whose time and date has yet to be determined. View the BHA's PEL application for the proposed Col Floyd project.
Relocation Plan
Relocation Plan - November 2021
Colonel Floyd Resident Meetings on Design
Unit Design: 6/17/21
Colonel Floyd Resident Meeting #4: June 17th, 2021 - Unit Interior Design
Resident Meeting Follow Up Notice
Click here to watch the recording of the video
Residents: please give your feedback on the presentation packet you received. Drop off your packet with feedback at the collection drop box at the entrance of the Col Floyd laundry room. You can also provide emailed feedback to Colfloyd@brooklinehousing.org.
Interior Design: 4/7/21
Colonel Floyd Resident Meeting #3: April 7th, 2021 - Interior Design
Site Design: 2/10/21
Colonel Floyd Resident Meeting #2: February 10th, 2021 - Site Design
Environmental Review Documentation
View the environmental review documentation
If the document links are incorrect or you have difficulty accessing the documents, please send an email to Colfloyd@brooklinehousing.org.
Resident Information for 32 Marion
Community Information for 32 Marion
On January 13th, 2021, the BHA Redevelopment team hosted a virtual neighborhood meting to present the Colonel Floyd redevelopment project to date and answer any questions. View Presentation from January 13th, 2021
Frequently Asked Questions
Demographic Information on the Brookline Housing Authority's Federal Public Housing portfolio, which currently includes the Colonel Floyd Apartments, can be viewed in the table below.
https://tinyurl.com/ft23uram
Sussman Redevelopment Project
Environmental Review
Resident Meeting on Relocation 10/20/21
Resident Meeting on Design 8/12/21
O'Shea Renovation
Resident Feedback Meetings