Housing to be built
Groundbreaking at Mechanic Street

A groundbreaking was held this past Tuesday morning on Mechanic Street where housing will be built for members of the Employment Options Clubhouse.

The $1 million project is to be developed at 153 Mechanic Street, on a currently vacant lot owned by Options Properties, a subsidiary of Employment Options, Inc.

Construction of the new two-story building will start this fall. Employment Options, Inc. is a non-profit agency, serving adults with mental illness and other challenged populations in the Metro West region.

Due to a lack of affordable housing and the limited scale of housing assistance programs, the construction of additional housing options is critical for persons at risk. According to a release issued by Employment Options, this project aims to encourage other agencies to commit to meeting the needs of the community, whether it’s through developing local homes or simply voicing the need.

Employment Options hosts groundbreaking

Funding for this project has been provided by the Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Facilities Consolidation Fund, and Federal Home Loan Bank, and has received continuous support from the City of Marlborough, local agencies and neighbors.

According to Jim Grasberger, Development Director, Employment Options, “This project was undertaken to provide low-income individuals quality affordable housing, safer neighborhoods, and easy access to jobs and family needs.”

Designed by architect Gorman-Richardson, the plan calls for construction of a 5,781 square feet independent living facility to house 10 individuals. The building will contain six apartments including two 1-bedroom apartments and four 2-bedroom apartments. A first floor 2-bedroom apartment will be handicapped accessible per state architectural codes and the Federal Americans with Disabilities Act. A residential sprinkler system will also be installed for full fire protection. Additionally, adequate space will be provided for handicapped and resident parking.

Apartments will be made available for rent at 30% of a members’ individual income, while the rest will be covered by HUD.

“A large number of near homeless individuals live in Marlborough,” said Toni Wolf, Executive Director, Employment Options. “Employment Options realized the importance of addressing the needs of this population and decided to build supported, quality affordable housing to serve this group.”

In keeping with Employment Options’ philosophy of lifetime membership and long-term supports, this project will offer permanent homes for individuals with disabilities. Employment Options will assist by offering services based on strong relationships and alliances with an existing network of staff, members and local partnerships.

Apartments should be ready for occupancy in summer 2004, benefiting individuals who are homeless or at a risk of losing their employment due to lack of housing options.

“Employment Options believes in an individual’s right to independent and dignified living, and provides meaningful services ranging from employment, education, housing, deaf and family services to social needs, commented Wolf.

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