CDC nears completion of two affordable homes

By Owen Boss

GARDNER — Two homes the Greater Gardner Community Development Corp’s “Affordable Homeownership Opportunities” program are building are close to completion, according to CDC officials. James Cruickshank, executive director of the CDC, said the project at 41 Clairmont St., which was built through a collaborative effort with students at Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School, would not have been possible without the generosity of Monty Tech graduate Mark Dymek, who donated the lot and designed the house. “This is the first time that a Monty Tech graduate has donated land to us for development of a home with Monty Tech students,” said Mr. Cruickshank. “We are the ones that pull all of the pieces together, but it is a nice story because we were able to make that connection between generations.” Students at Monty Tech have played major roles in many CDC projects, and Mr. Cruickshank considers their involvement to benefit both the students and the community. “One of the philosophies of Monty Tech is to demonstrate to their students that they are part of a broader community,” said Mr. Cruickshank. “What is nice this time is that a graduate of Monty Tech who has really excelled in his trade is demonstrating the lesson that he started to learn at Monty Tech regarding giving back to the community. It really is a nice connection.” The site at 558 River St., Winchendon, which Mr. Cruickshank said is a modular home, did not involve students from Monty Tech, but was built with the support of Town Manager James M. Kreidler Jr., the Winchendon Board of Selectman, the Winchendon Redevelopment Authority and the Department of Planning and Development. Both of the homes were financed, in part, through Community Development Block Grant funds the Department of Housing and Community Development distribute, and were administered from the city of Gardner and the town of Winchendon, respectively. According to Housing Coordinator Doug Pochini, the interior of both of the homes are completed and it has now become an issue of preparing the exterior of the sites. “This is something that started last September and we are just now wrapping it up with the final touches to the landscaping and the exterior,” said Mr. Pochini. “We are hoping to market it in the months of August and September to people who qualify for the affordable housing.” In order to qualify, potential residents must meet HUD income guidelines, complete a Certified First Time Homebuyer Education class and qualify for a traditional fixed-rate mortgage. Application packets are available at both the Gardner and Winchendon departments of Planning and Development and at the Greater Gardner CDC. Open houses for both locations are being scheduled for August, and will be open to all interested parties. “We encourage everyone who thinks they meet the eligibility requirements to contact the Greater Gardner CDC as soon as possible to learn more about these exciting, affordable opportunities for families to realize their American dream,” said Mr. Pochini. oboss@thegardnernews.com

Appeared on Page 4 on 7/17/2008 (Vol. 206 No. 168)