~Photo by George P. Hassett Somerville site to create 500 housing units and 120 jobs in a series of 50 construction projects supported by the Administration that will break ground and create jobs in 2010. Monday, June 14, continuing the Patrick-Murray Administration's efforts to promote job growth and long-term economic recovery, Secretary of Housing and Economic Development Greg Bialecki today joined with state, federal and local leaders to celebrate the groundbreaking of the Clarendon Hill Tower construction project in Somerville that will result in immediate job growth and the preservation of the city's largest rental development. This project, jump started by targeted state, federal and local funding sources, will result in 500 housing units, including low-income options, and 120 jobs.

"Our number one priority is putting shovels in the ground and people to work right now," said Governor Patrick. "Through investments like this one, hundreds of projects will break ground this year around the Commonwealth, which means thousands of new jobs."

This project is an excellent example of the critical collaboration and investment that leads to both immediate construction jobs and long term, quality affordable housing opportuinities for Commonwealth residents.

The funds will support the construction of a new, centrally located community center and administrative building as part of Connolly and Partners' refinancing and renovation of the 501-unit Clarendon Hill Towers. The building, designed by Finegold Alexander + Associates of Boston, will be LEED-certified for its energy efficiency. In addition, the project will result in twenty-five handicap accessible units; make improvements to existing units, including plumbing, and common lobby and corridor areas; and replace pavement, sidewalks and plantings on the parking deck.

"We are very excited to see this kind of investment in affordable housing in Somerville," Senator Patricia Jehlen said. "These renovations will revitalize Clarendon Hill Towers and ensure affordability in perpetuity. I am very grateful to the Governor for his leadership in bringing this kind of investment to our city."

Connolly and Partners and the Clarendon Hill Towers Tenants Association have formed a partnership that acquired Clarendon Hill Towers on April 9, 2010 to make substantial renovations to Clarendon Hill Towers, which is comprised of three high-rise buildings on a six-acre site at the intersection of Broadway and Alewife Brook Parkway. The development was in danger of foreclosure if its financial and physical condition were not restored.

According to Mr. Connolly, "Connolly and Partners/First Hartford Corporation are grateful for the opportunity to work with the Clarendon Hill Towers Tenant Association (CHTTA) to revitalize Clarendon Hill Towers and assure affordability in perpetuity. We are also excited about our plans for coordinating the delivery of extensive resident services for both family and elderly residents, a co-generation plant, and the construction of a state-of-the-art, energy efficient, LEED-certified community building. With CHTTA, we will restore Clarendon Hill Towers to its rightful position as a major housing asset to the Somerville community."

This project is one of more than 50 housing and economic development projects, both renovation and new construction, expected to break ground this year, totaling more than $1 billion dollars in development investments in the Commonwealth. Each of these projects have been initiated by an investment from the Patrick-Murray Administration. Together, they will create thousands of jobs throughout Massachusetts.

This investment is just one part of the Administration's multi-pronged strategy for growth through supporting small businesses; regional economic development; and strategic investments in education, infrastructure and innovation. Key to supporting this strategy is partnership with local communities and the private sector that fosters residential and commercial growth, and the successful leveraging of a number of state resources that spur that growth including:

• The Growth Districts Initiative Рby working with communities to plan ahead for new growth and development that is consistent with their long-term community vision, regional needs and with the Commonwealth's sustainable development principles, the Administration is creating an entire network of places around the state where new growth is being welcomed and encouraged.

• The Chapter 43D Expedited Permitting Рby working with communities to support prompt and predictable permitting for development that is consistent with community plans, dozens of communities have made a commitment to issue permits for commercial development in six months or less in order to helps facilitate targeted economic development that is consistent with their long-term plans.

• The Massachusetts Opportunity Relocation and Expansion (MORE) Jobs Capital program Рby targeting public infrastructure investments and improvements needed to support private development activity and business expansion, cities and towns get the tools they need to spur economic development, job retention and expansion.

• The newly reformed Economic Development Incentive Program (EDIP) Рby partnering with companies and municipalities focused on job creation, manufacturing job retention and private investment, the Administration is working to stimulate business growth throughout the Commonwealth.

• Through a wide array of state and federal programs administered by the state Department of Housing and Community Development, the Commonwealth can provide direct financial assistance, where appropriate, to residential and commercial development projects through low-cost financing, tax credits and other forms of financial support.

Learn more about the results of our strategic investments in new development here.

Learn more about how the Patrick-Murray Administration's agenda has led Massachusetts out of a global recession faster and stronger than the rest of the nation here.