I spent my 1st grade year at the Cutler School, high on the hill behind Town Hall. Years later it was transformed into apartments, and now the community will see work beginning on Cutler Heights.
This project brings much needed affordable housing to Holliston.
This 3 1/2 story building will house 30 units and parking for over 50 cars, half underneath the building. Every single unit will be affordable.
This means that if your income level falls under 60% of the prevailing median income, these units are available to you.
Three of the units are for households that fall under 30% of the median income guidelines. Holliston residents receive preference in these types of developments.
Based solely on 2009 median income figures from MA state websites, the 60% qualifying income levels look to be:
- 1 person household $27,876
- 2 person household $36,454
- 3 person household $45,031
- 4 person household $53,608
I will follow the building of this development, which they expect will take about 12 months to complete.
Metrowest Daily News article on Cutler Heights.
Funding for the project comes from a variety of sources. Townspeople pay into a Community Preservation Act fund in their taxes, and this is one source.
Additional sources include $2.2 million in state funds, and most importantly, $3.9 million in federal stimulus money.
Yes, that's right, Holliston is getting it's little piece of the stimulus funds. Frankly, without the state and federal funds, this project would have been dead in the water.
Clearing Cutler Heights
Affordable housing seems to get a reaction of "not in my backyard", but this location and the great need this community has outweighs any negative points on this project.
Cutler holds a special spot in my childhood, and I am glad to see this project moving forward!
Ed Daniels is a graduate of Cutler School 1st grade and currently is a Realtor with Re/Max Executive Realty. His classmates can catch up with him by calling 508-341-7880 to plan our next reunion.
