By Julie McCay Turner
Massachusetts Senator Ed Markey was in Bedford on August 7 to celebrate renovations at Bedford Village in the company of residents, neighbors, and dignitaries. Built in the 1970s, Bedford Village was the Town’s first apartment complex with affordable units.
Aaron Gornstein, President and CEO of POAH (Preservation of Affordable Housing), introduced Senator Markey who went on to make several cogent points:
This is a big day for the town of Bedford, a town that has continuously shown a commitment to creating and preserving affordable housing. In Bedford alone, 18.3% of the town’s housing stock is considered affordable under the state definition. That is one of the highest in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
In a time where our nation faces an unprecedented crisis in affordable housing, Bedford is setting an example for towns across the country. Bedford is showing the nation how we can open our arms and create welcoming communities for all.
These apartments at Bedford Village are a perfect example of the ways that we can preserve existing affordable housing that we already have.
About Bedford Village
Through a collaboration among Bedford boards (the Housing Partnership and Community Preservation Committee) and Town Meeting, with the support of regional and federal agencies, a new owner committed to keeping the units affordable was identified when former owner Irma Shretter planned to sell.
Bedford Village was acquired by POAH (Preservation of Affordable Housing), a national non-profit organization that is based in Boston in 2018. Renovations began immediately and have included new roofs and windows, along with selected bath and kitchen updates. (Click this link to learn more about the history of the transaction)
Long-time resident Normand F. Carroll, Jr. told The Citizen that he is one of four families who have lived at Bedford Village since it was built.