A $4.8 million federal housing grant for the Burlington Thayer Commons project was announced yesterday.   The grant will support the addition of 28 rent-subsidized units to the project.   

VHFA is providing 4% (bond) low-income housing tax credits as well as construction financing for the project. 

The location of the project on Burlington's North Avenue where the Department of Motor Vehicles once operated will offer seniors access to public transit, shopping, health care and other services. 

The development includes apartments rented at market rates and affordable senior and family apartments.   A total of 113 apartments are now under construction.

Reports analyzing Chittenden County's housing needs, economic development, natural resources,  transportation, land use, education, public health and energy issues have been completed for the ECOS project.   All communities, organizations and residents are encouraged to review and comment on these reports by December 31 through the ECOS website.   VHFA prepared the housing needs report in collaboration with ECOS project partners.   

VHFA, the New Northgate Housing, LLC, and the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) came together yesterday to sign the legal documents firming up a new and improved financing structure for the Burlington apartment complex.

Jane Lindholm at Vermont Public Radio (VPR) will discuss Vermont's homeless today at noon and again at 7PM.  

The recent Occupy protests in Burlington brought to light problems of mental illness and substance abuse among some homeless people, but advocates say that doesn’t tell the whole story. In today's story, VPR looks at the entrenched issues facing some of Vermont’s homeless population and the resources to help them.  Guests are Matt Young, supervisor of the Howard Center's Street Outreach Team in Burlington, and Rita Markley, executive director of COTS, the Committee On Temporary Shelter.

The story was produced by VPR's Patti Daniels. 

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