Holcroft Park Homes

Transforming Gloucester Crossing:  In June 2007, the Coalition, partnering with the YMCA of the North Shore, purchased an 11-property, 41-unit portfolio of adjacent properties at  the center of Gloucester Crossing , an historic neighborhood that for many years has had the highest rates of poverty and crime in the city.  These long-neglected properties were identified by the Coalition as targets for redevelopment years ago, with the goal of preserving and creating quality affordable housing units.  The Coalition led 15 months of negotiations and secured financing to purchase the properties.   While we secure funding to redevelop the properties, the YMCA of the North Shore, which serves as property manager, has already made dramatic improvements to the properties, making critical repairs to the buildings, and improving neighborhood safety by partnering with the Beverly Police Department to reduce criminal activity.  

 

65 Units of Quality Affordable Housing: In its largest project to date, the Coalition’s plans for Holcroft Park Homes include 65 units of housing in six new buildings that will provide affordable, safe, and attractive housing, maintain an appropriate scale consistent with the neighborhood, enhance the streetscape, improve pedestrian and vehicular circulation, provide additional off-street parking, and incorporate “green” building practices where possible.  Renamed Holcroft Park Homes after the park that the properties overlook, the development is expected to be completed in two phases over three to five years.  In September 2007, the Coalition received full zoning approvals for the project. 

 

Community Involvement:  Throughout the planning process, the Coalition has involved

current residents of the properties, neighbors, and the local neighborhood association in guiding and develop design goals for the property.  The project has received widespread support from the Mayor, the City Council, the local neighborhood association, and the wider community.  As the project moves forward, the Coalition will continue to seek community involvement and will ensure that original residents of the properties are given preference in the new development and are assisted to find temporary housing during construction.

Program Manager David Bresnahan, Executive Director Mickey Northcutt, and Board President Don Preston hold plans for Holcroft Park Homes outside existing buildings.

November 2007

One of six new buildings (three attractive apartment buildings; three triple deckers) planned for Holcroft Park Homes.

BEVERLY – The Beverly Affordable Housing Coalition, a non-profit community development organization, and the YMCA of the North Shore received final zoning approval for the development of Holcroft Park Homes.  The new development will provide 65 units of affordable housing on Mill and Grant Streets in the Gloucester Crossing neighborhood of Beverly. 

 

“We are incredibly excited about this project,” said Mickey Northcutt, Executive Director of the Coalition.  “We are transforming Gloucester Crossing into a neighborhood where families can thrive.” 

 

One of three new triple-deckers on Grant Street

“Our first priority is to the families who call this historic neighborhood home,” said Northcutt.  While the new buildings are constructed, a relocation consultant will be on hand to help current residents find temporary housing.  Current residents will be given first priority as residents in the new development.  “We want to enhance the quality of life for everyone in the neighborhood,” he said.

 

Since January 2007, the Coalition has worked closely with the Gloucester Crossing Association, the local neighborhood association, to solicit design goals and feedback from the neighborhood residents regarding the development of Holcroft Park Homes.

 

The YMCA of the North Shore and the Coalition partnered earlier this year to purchase 11 abutting properties in Gloucester Crossing. The YMCA, which is currently managing the properties, is already making  a positive impact in the neighborhood.  So far, dozens of children have signed up for YMCA memberships through the Y’s “Membership For All” program.  Management staff is also working collaboratively with the Beverly Police Department and residents to address security issues in the neighborhood.

 

The city of Beverly has committed  improve the neighborhood’s infrastructure, including new sidewalks and better lighting.  The Coalition has also convened a group of area organizations to coordinate services for people in the Gloucester Crossing neighborhood who may need them.  The organizations include Beverly Bootstraps, Catholic Charities, and North Shore Community Action Program, Strongest Link and the YMCA of the North Shore.

 

Construction will take place in two phases.  The Coalition expects the first phase to begin within two years, the second phase shortly thereafter.