LYNN — Construction to turn the Lynn Armory into a 52-unit affordable-housing structure for veterans is expected to start next spring.
Jeff Weeden, the planning and development specialist for the Lynn Housing Authority and Neighborhood Development, said the design has been finalized and LHAND expects to close on a contract by the end of the year.
“It’s been a long time coming,” he said.
Weeden said LHAND has been working hard on the design of the building to preserve the historic element of the armory and pay homage to veterans.
He said the housing authority acquired the armory, which is located at 36 South Common St., in 2019 and has been applying for funding since. Weeden said there are currently 10 different funding sources for the project.
He added that the majority of the 52 units are single bedrooms, but there will be a few double bedrooms in the head house.
A variety of services will be offered to the veterans who live at the armory. For example, residents will be able to receive help when applying for federal benefits right in the lobby of their apartment.
Weeden said LHAND is hoping the location of the armory will allow the Commons to become a place for community activity for the veterans who will live there.
He added that the proximity of the armory to public transportation, the public library, and downtown businesses will allow veterans to have easier access to their community.
LHAND Director of Planning and Development Peggy Phelps said the housing authority’s commitment to veterans is “very strong” and added that Mayor Jared Nicholson’s office is “very committed.”
“Really everybody’s all in for veterans,” she said.
LHAND Director Charlie Gaeta said the authority is excited for the project.
“We work closely with the Lynn Veterans Council, the veterans office, with Mike Sweeney in the City of Lynn,” he said. “The mayor has been 100% supportive, as has the City Council in the past, and of course, our state delegation who helped begin the process. So we’re encouraged by recent meetings.”
Gaeta said LHAND is hoping that the project gets approved before the end of the summer.
Nicholson said that creating additional affordable housing is a top priority for his administration.
“Ensuring that our veterans are housed and supported makes this project all the more urgent and impactful,” Nicholson said. “We have been proud to invest in this project, along with the City Council, with a significant ARPA investment to back the meaningful work on this done by LHAND, which is supported by the Healey-Driscoll administration and state delegation.”
“As we grapple with a severe housing crisis, it is critical that we invest in affordable housing and make it accessible to all our residents,” state Sen. Brendan Crighton said. “The Lynn Armory project will help us tackle this crisis and place the needs of veterans front and center in our community. I want to commend and thank Charlie Gaeta, Jeff Weeden, and the entire team at LHAND for their dedication to the success of this project and their continued commitment to helping all our residents in times of need.”
