Developers Announce Proposed Affordable Development Size Will Not Be Reduced Despite Backlash

Non-profit developers in charge of a proposed eight-story affordable housing project in the Baldwin neighborhood announced Thursday that they will not be reducing the size of the building any further despite backlash from residents who believe the complex will be too large.

Homeowner Rehab Inc. Senior Project Manager Eleni Macrakis laid out the plans for the 28-30 Wendell Street housing project during an open house held to solicit Cambridge residents’ feedback.

During this third feedback meeting, more than 70 residents walked around the Baldwin School cafeteria and wrote down their feedback on sticky notes — commenting on the building’s facade, landscape design, programming, and operations. This structure contrasted last November's meeting, during which attendees yelled over a city councilor and some residents called the new property a “monstrosity,” despite HRI agreeing to reduce the height of the building by 10-and-a-half feet.

Some residents remained dismayed by the complex’s proposed size.

“I respect the work that’s gone into it but it’s still too much,” Cambridge resident Phil Minervino said in an interview during the open house. “It’s too big a building.”

Others, however, expressed concern about the housing cuts.

“I was honestly heartbroken when they reduced it by a floor,” Cambridge resident Rachel S. Plummer said in an interview. “They lost 15 units, and I mean, that is 15 families who are just on the waiting list for much longer.”

According to HRI’s plans, the building will be entirely composed of affordable housing units when it is eventually constructed and will employ staff members who organize engagement programs. Out of its 95 units, 40 will be solely for elderly individuals.

Under the Affordable Housing Overlay, developers such as HRI are required to hold at least two community meetings, but HRI held a third in an effort to “increase acceptance,” according to City Councilor Catherine “Cathie” Zusy.

“I don’t know if it will ever be fully accepted because it’s a big change,” Zusy added.

Following the community meeting phase, HRI will submit its designs to the City’s Planning board.

The non-profit developers are relying on local government funds and the federal low-income housing tax credit for rental development for the construction of the project. According to HRI Executive Director Sara Barcan, the project could be impacted by federal funding cuts, but they remain hopeful.

“We are watching what is happening on the federal level, but we believe it is a very feasible project,” Barcan said in an interview. “It may just take some time.”

— Staff writer Diego García Moreno can be reached at diego.garciamoreno@thecrimson.com.

— Staff Writer Summer E. Rose can be reached at summer.rose@thecrimson.com.