Can you imagine sleeping with your children in your car tonight? Or bedding down beneath an overpass, hoping that layers of tarp and wool blankets can stave off the cold and snow?
Housing is a human right. Public housing fills a crucial need in our community, ensuring that every person has a roof over their head and a decent place to call home, regardless of their circumstances. That’s why we support the proposed redevelopment of the Willow Park public housing complex in Watertown.
Now we’re asking you to join us by signing a letter of support.
This project will replace all 60 current public housing units, which are well past the end of their usable life. In addition, it will add 78 new rental units for households earning up to 80 percent area median income (AMI). All the apartments will be modern, energy-efficient, and fully accessible for those with disabilities. Almost two-thirds of the new units will have two or more bedrooms, directly responding to the pressing need for family-sized housing in our community.
The redevelopment will be led by Preservation of Affordable Housing’s (POAH), a local nonprofit that specializes in affordable housing. However, financing a project like this is extremely difficult.
That’s where we need your help. POAH and the Watertown Housing Authority are now applying for funding and rental subsidies from the state. Strong community support could be the difference between Watertown receiving those much-needed funding — otherwise, funds will go to projects in other communities.
The redevelopment has already received zoning approval under Chapter 40B and meaningful funding commitments from the city. It represents a critical investment in housing stability, economic mobility, and environmental sustainability for Watertown residents.
Join us in urging the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities to support the Willow Park Redevelopment and help bring this vital project to fruition.
Click here to add your support.
Thank you!
The Housing for All Watertown Steering Committee
Rita Colafella, Sam Ghilardi, Dan Pritchard, Josh Rosmarin, and Jacky van Leeuwen