Press Releases

LOWELL, MA – Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03) joined Westminster town officials to tour the Westminster Senior Residences, a 50-unit affordable senior housing facility that was constructed using significant federal investments.

“After more than a decade of planning, it’s inspiring to see this project completed and fully leased,” said Congresswoman Trahan. “This is what happens when federal, state, local, and private partners work toward a shared vision, and it’s what smart public investment looks like. I’m especially proud that federal ARPA dollars and Low-Income Housing Tax Credits helped close the financing gaps and ensure these homes remain affordable for years to come. The thoughtful design, the proximity to the Senior Center, and the partnerships with local service providers will help longtime Westminster residents stay connected, engaged, and supported in their community. This should serve as a model for senior housing not just in Massachusetts, but across the country.”

“This senior housing project was on the Town’s wishlist for decades,” said Westminster Town Administrator Stephanie Lahtinen. “We partnered with Commonwealth Community Developers and although it took multiple grant applications and several years, we finally found  the right mix of federal and state assistance along with an ARPA contribution from the Town that made the project possible and brought us to where we are today. Thanks to the support and efforts of our townspeople and local officials, we were able to achieve this milestone for our senior community.”

The Westminster Senior Residences is a 100% affordable, age-restricted (62+) development located directly behind the Town of Westminster’s Senior Center. The project, more than a decade in the making, was developed by Commonwealth Community Developers and is managed by Maloney Properties. After opening last fall, all 50 one-bedroom units were fully leased by the end of the year.

“We’re grateful for the strong support for the development from all of our elected officials,” said James J. Perrine, President of Commonwealth Community Developers. “Congresswoman Trahan has been with us from the start, resulting in the receipt of $1.2 million federal tax credits, enabling us to raise $10.6 million in private equity. She also supported over $4.3 million in federal ARPA funds from the State’s Executive Housing and Livable Communities and another $200,000 for the Town of Westminster’s local ARPA funds. The Town originated the project, provided the land adjacent to the senior center, and contributed $200,000. This truly is the result of partnership at all levels of government, and we are grateful for the Congresswoman’s leadership.”

The project’s total development cost of approximately $22.4 million was financed through a mix of federal, state, local, and private sources. Federal investments were central to making the project financially viable, including $1.2 million per year in Federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) over 10 years, which generated more than $10.6 million in private equity. The project also received $4,577,965 in funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, which Trahan supported passage of and helped close critical financing gaps to ensure long-term affordability for low-income seniors. The Town of Westminster contributed $200,000 in local ARPA funding, a 99-year land lease, and fee waivers exceeding $200,000.

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