By Dot Bergin, The Bedford Citizen
The town of Bedford is becoming very good at partnering with federal, state, and private entities to preserve affordable housing units.
To celebrate the most recent example of federal-state-town cooperation, Bedford Village Apartments held a reception on May 25, attended by Congressman Seth Moulton, by officials from the MA Department of Housing and Community Development and MassHousing, by State Senator Michael Barrett and Representative Ken Gordon, and by our own Selectmen and town officials. Hosting the event were Aaron Gornstein, President and CEO of POAH (Preservation of Affordable Housing), the new owner of Bedford Village, and Cory Fellows, POAH’s vice present of real estate development.
In his remarks, Cong. Moulton said basic income inequality is a top item on his list of concerns and housing is one of the areas where this is most manifest. “The fact that Bedford is leading the charge in Massachusetts is significant–we don’t talk about housing as a major issue but it’s one of the biggest challenges of the day. We don’t talk about income inequality –because it’s easier to talk about more tangible challenges…. Your commitment to bringing people together, to allowing a diverse set of Americans to live here in this community is something I am very proud of and makes me proud to represent you.”
Most pleased of all were the residents of Bedford Village- some of whom have lived in their apartments for more than 40 years- who are now assured that their rents will remain affordable. Bedford Village provides affordable options to low-income individuals as well as to those earning 80 percent of median area income. Housing of this type is greatly needed in Bedford. As a recent housing survey revealed, rising real estate prices make it virtually impossible for low to moderate income individuals to live in town.