Roslindale Neighbors: Lottery for affordable, eco-friendly condos next week

The non-profit community development organization Urban Edge is nearing completion of 13 new condominium units on Hyde Park Avenue and Blakemore Street in Roslindale. The units, designed to be eco-friendly, will be sold to first-time homebuyers who will be selected by lottery next Thurs., May 22 at 6 p.m. at the Roslindale Community Center at 6 Cummins Highway.

“We have been hearing a lot of interest in the new homes. I have received several calls from qualified applicants who are very excited about the lottery,” said Urban Edge Project Manager Hong Ly.

According to Ly, the Hyde-Blakemore Condominiums are the most “eco-friendly” homes Urban Edge has ever built. The location is directly on two bus lines and about equidistant from the Roslindale Village commuter rail and the Forest Hills MBTA station.

“People who have toured our homes have been really impressed with the high quality of craftsmanship and amenities,” said Ly. “We are happy that our project incorporates the Roslindale community’s feedback about adequate parking, ample green space and even green design features like solar panels.”

Special attention has been paid by the architect, Utile, and by the builder, MCR Construction, to healthy indoor air quality and to energy efficiency. Urban Edge has stated that its goals are to eliminate asthma triggers to promote good respiratory health and to reduce energy and water demands so that affordability extends from the purchase price to the cost of living in the homes.

The paints, sealants and solvents used in the buildings were chosen for their low- and non-toxic qualities. The hardwood floors throughout make cleaning and dust control easier. High efficiency bath and kitchen exhaust fan systems provide enhanced ventilation and inhibit mold growth.

Energy savings will derive from the use of EnergyStar windows, dishwashers, gas stoves and refrigerators in all units and from the high efficiency lighting and heating systems. Two units in a south-facing building will get a portion of their domestic electricity from roof-mounted solar panels.

Water efficiency will result from the installation of water saving toilets, faucets and showerheads in all of the homes. Use of native, drought-resistant plants will eliminate the need for an irrigation system, and good surface drainage along with low-impact landscaping techniques should manage storm water on-site.

The development team made sure that the “green” features were not at the expense of the amenities that homeowners expect. All of the homes have dining rooms, washer and dryer hookups and granite counter tops, plus two off-street parking spaces.

Unit prices for qualified buyers are $166,925 and $198,000 for the 2-bedroom condos and $187,691 and $247,096 for the 3-bedroom units. Income limits and requirements apply. Preference is given to Boston residents, HUD Section 8 to Homeownership participants and households with disabilities for some of the units.

Urban Edge, based on the Jamaica Plain/Roxbury border, is a non-profit community development organization whose mission is to help develop and sustain stable, healthy and diverse communities. The organization works to achieve this mission by concentrating its efforts on the production and preservation of affordable housing for ownership and rental, property management, commercial and economic development and community organizing initiatives in Jamaica Plain, Roxbury and surrounding neighborhoods.

Urban Edge is one of 228 member organizations nationwide that make up NeighborWorks America. Together, these organizations are committed to excellence in community development and serve more than 2,500 urban, suburban, and rural communities throughout America.

For more information, see www.urbanedge.org.

From press materials.

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