With work ongoing to convert the former Machon School into senior housing, the town is coordinating information sessions scheduled to start this month outlining tenant selection procedures.
The first of several sessions is planned for Dec. 21. The town is working with Peabody Properties, the leasing agent for the project, to provide information about the tenant selection process with information sessions planned online.
“They will screen all the applicants and there should be several hearings,” said town Community and Economic Development Director Marzie Galazka.
The town selected nonprofit B’nai B’rith Housing in 2016 to renovate the Burpee Road school building into 38 senior affordable rental units, including two handicap-accessible apartments.
B’nai B’rith signed a 99-year lease with the town for the $16.75 million project.
Galazka said COVID-19 caused construction supply and related delays to work on the building. But work is proceeding with June 1 the date for tenants to move in.
The tenant selection process includes the application process and hearings starting on Dec. 21 with a Feb. 19, 2021 deadline for postmarked applications to be returned and a March 1, 2021 lottery to select tenants, followed by applicant interviews.
Galazka said tenant selection preference will be given to Swampscott residents and she stressed the need for new local senior housing.
“Affordable senior housing is hard to come by and it is part of our mission to allow residents to age in place,” she said.
According to B’nai B’rith’s description for the Senior Residences at the Machon, one in four Swampscott households includes a senior and more than 50 percent of town seniors live alone.
“One third of Swampscott households over 65 years old earn less than $40,000/year,” stated the nonprofit’s description.
Project plans call for the Machon renovation to include a community room, library and screening room, and a fitness center.
“In addition, all residents will have access to a full-time on-site service coordinator who can connect them to area resources and service providers as well as facilitate social, cultural and healthy lifestyle activities,” stated the description.
