ERVING — As part of a total $23 million being awarded to 18 housing projects across the state, $227,553 in predevelopment funding will help advance the senior and affordable housing project being planned on Care Drive.

Rural Development Inc., a nonprofit created by the Franklin County Regional Housing & Redevelopment Authority, is handling a $15.6 million housing proposal that involves building 26 units of housing, including age-restricted senior housing for those 62 and up, while also providing multi-generational workforce housing in two other buildings. The project will likely be finished by 2028.

The $227,553 in predevelopment funding was awarded to RDI by the Community Economic Development Assistance Corporation (CEDAC), a public-private financial institution that provides project financing and technical expertise to nonprofits engaged in community development in Massachusetts.

Gina Govoni, executive director of the Franklin County Regional Housing & Redevelopment Authority and RDI, said the CEDAC funding is the largest amount the Erving project has received from the corporation so far.

“There’s been a couple of smaller pots of funding that have already been awarded. Initially, there was an initial feasibility assessment grant given to this project by CEDAC,” Govoni noted, regarding a $15,000 grant for the project’s basic designs.

Plans for the development of affordable and senior housing in Erving gained traction in July 2023 when the Selectboard put out a request for proposals for the Care Drive project. Erving chose RDI’s proposal in December 2023, and the company has created a mock-up of what the project would look like.

Govoni explained that while RDI goes through the permitting process, the town will also have to allocate funding to extend the roadway on the property and update zoning. Much of the total $15.6 million will come from a mix of state and federal funding for low-income housing projects, according to Govoni.

Seniors and families will be eligible to live at the completed Care Drive property based on income requirements. For this project, the targets will be households that earn 30%, 50% or 60% of the area median income. To illustrate this, Govoni said if the housing were to be open today, an eligible single senior seeking a one-bedroom apartment on Care Drive would have to make at least $25,000 per year.

As the project progresses, Govoni said the hope is to offer additional assistance to keep the affordability within range for seniors and families.

“We’re doing everything we can to try to bring in either vouchers or additional subsidies to make sure that they’re as affordable as possible,” Govoni said. “But even with that said, they are far below market rents right now, so we’re happy to be bringing that affordability into Erving.”

It’s estimated that residents will be able to move in between 2028 and 2029. In the meantime, Govoni said, RDI will work to secure funding while the town handles site preparation work, including a new pump station for sewage.

This affordable housing project comes as the Franklin Regional Council of Governments (FRCOG) has completed its 2024 Regional Housing Plan. The plan states that although Franklin County is rural, with housing prices lower compared to other areas, availability is still an issue, with extremely low vacancy rates and higher prices. To alleviate the issues residents face with affordable housing, FRCOG recommends increasing affordable housing development, which can be accomplished while updating zoning in the county.

Govoni said the town and its Senior Housing Committee will continue to work toward bringing the Care Drive housing project to fruition.

“It’s such a long process to develop affordable housing,” Govoni said. “But I think it’s worth commending the town and the volunteers on the Senior Housing Committee for their dedication to seeing this through.”

More information on the housing project can be found at ruraldevelopmentinc.org/development-projects/erving-care-drive-housing. A presentation with detailed information and designs is available at erving-ma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif4401/f/uploads/erving_senior_housing.pdf.

Erin-Leigh Hoffman can be reached at ehoffman@recorder.com or 413-930-4231.