LYNN — The Lynn Armory building at 36 South Common Street is expected to open affordable housing units for veterans around January 2028.
Lynn Housing Authority and Neighborhood Development received a $2.5 million grant from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Veterans’ Services on Monday in efforts to end homelessness for veterans.
“We’re really excited,” Jeff Weeden, LHAND planning and development specialist, said at the most recent city council meeting.
Councilor-at-Large and Chair of the Veterans Committee Nicole McClain asked Weeden about the amount of units that will be in the building, including how many of them will be for Lynn veterans specifically. She also asked if there would be any housing options for families, and what external resources will be available for the residents.
According to Weeden, there will be 52 units total, and LHAND is negotiating with the state to have a “local preference” for Lynn veteran tenants in the building at a rate of 70 percent. Each tenant is also expected to have a case manager who will provide on-site services and resource information.
Weeden also said that the units will be “more conducive” for single occupancy, but they are “not limiting” the potential options for families.
“We do have a few two bedrooms in the head house. If that was an option that is viable, we would consider it,” Weeden said.
Ward 1 Councilor Pete Meaney wanted to ensure that the housing would be for veterans specifically.
“There’s no fine print that’s gonna transfer it out when it’s no longer convenient to house our veterans?” Meaney asked.
“No, part of the legislature had that restriction,” Weeden responded.
Weeden said that in order to get residents into the units, LHAND will have a marketing plan and work with Mike Sweeney, director of Lynn Veterans Services. A two year construction period at the Armory Building is expected.
Ward 6 Councilor Fred Hogan expressed his gratitude for LHAND’s efforts.
“This is obviously long overdue, but all the work that everyone has put into this, it’s amazing that we are going to be able to present this to our veterans, especially our Lynn veterans. I thank everybody who did their work on this, it is very much appreciated,” Hogan said.
“This is awesome,” McClain said.
