FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- March 14, 2011
For more information, contact Jane Law
Phone: (603) 310-9255

Greener Homes Program improves housing in Woodsville and Lancaster

BEDFORD, N.H. – At its recent meeting, New Hampshire Housing’s Board of Directors approved the commitment of over $4 million in tax-exempt bonds, federal HOME Investment Partnership funds and Greener Homes Program funds to refinance and renovate the Opera Block in Woodsville and McKee Inn in Lancaster, aging housing developments that are also important historical landmarks in these communities. In total, 69 affordable rental units will be preserved and improved.

New Hampshire Housing is able to provide energy efficiency upgrades to affordable multi-family rental units through its Greener Homes Program . The Greener Homes Program is supported by a $2 million grant, funded by the New Hampshire Public Utility Commission’sRegional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), along with $2 million in matching funds from New Hampshire Housing, and $3 million in weatherization funds that were committed by the state’s Office of Energy and Planning. Under the Greener Homes Program, New Hampshire Housing has partnered with several agencies statewide to conduct comprehensive energy audits and to complete energy efficiency improvements on nearly 800 low-income rental units during the grant’s two-year period.

These Opera Block Apartments in Woodsville and McKee Inn in Lancaster both provide affordable rental units for seniors. The Opera Block was originally constructed in 1908 and was used as an opera house before it was converted into affordable housing in 1980. McKee Inn was built in 1896 and an addition was added in 1980 when the building was developed into affordable rental housing.

Both projects have been serving their respective communities for about 30 years as affordable housing developments, and it is now time to perform renovations to maintain the livability of the apartments and enhance the energy efficiency of the buildings. Once renovations are complete, both the projects and residents will benefit from lower energy costs and greater energy efficiency, which will ensure the units remain affordable for low-income seniors. In addition, the energy and other building improvements that will be undertaken through the Greener Homes Program and other financing sources are expected to support approximately 170 construction-related jobs in New Hampshire during these challenging economic times.

Further, the Opera Block and McKee Inn are considered historical landmarks and both will be preserved by the planned improvements. AHEAD Inc., based in Littleton, is the project sponsor for these developments.

New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority is a self-supporting, public benefit corporation that operates a number of programs designed to assist low- and moderate-income persons with obtaining housing. Since its inception, New Hampshire Housing has helped more than 38,000 families purchase their own homes and has been instrumental in financing the creation of more than 14,000 multi-family housing units. More information about its programs can be found on the agency's website at www.nhhfa.org .

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