CPA Development Keeps Provincetown Affordable For Year-Round Residents

In a market driven by competitive vacation-based real estate, year-round Provincetown residents have long struggled to find affordable housing options. Despite million-dollar home prices, the average annual income for Provincetown residents dips just below the $50,000 mark.

However, a new CPA-funded development has ended the housing struggle for many. Province Landing, is the result of a seven-year effort to create housing options designated for very low-, low-, and moderate-income residents. Built in traditional Cape Cod architecture, the 50-unit development stands on a 2.5-acre parcel and boasts a convenient, downtown location. 

“The project was really the Town’s long vision to provide rental apartments affordable to those who had long lived and worked there but were getting priced out,” said Michael Lozano, project manager of The Community Builders (TCB), the affordable housing developer responsible for the development’s construction.

Provincetown’s Community Preservation revenues funded a portion of the project’s $14.4 million price tag, according to Provincetown Community Housing Specialist Michelle Jarusiewicz.

"Through a significant effort, the town utilized about $1,000,000 of their CPA funds to acquire and remediate the property, and issue a request for proposals through which TCB became involved,” said Lozano. “We worked collaboratively with the Town through every step and are happy to have helped Provincetown achieve their vision.”

While keeping purchase prices affordable, the project also aims to make living costs more manageable with energy efficient installations including triple-glazed windows, extra insulation, and a high-efficiency boiler system. In addition to addressing financial concerns, multiple units within the six total buildings have been dedicated for physically disabled persons, veterans, and residents with long-term illnesses.

The development, situated at 90 Shank Painter Road, took a high-density approach to maximize residents’ proximity to downtown Provincetown and other major destinations or routes without crowding the open space and recreation areas surrounding the town center. Amenities include parking, trash handling, common spaces, sheltered bike racks, and pedestrian walkways. It also provides residents with advisory services including financial literacy, stress management, yoga classes, job training and after-school programs. 

In September 2012, Province Landing opened it doors to an overwhelming response. After a competitive lottery process filled the units, more than 300 residents have added their name to the development's wait list.

Less than a year after its debut, Province Landing was nominated as finalist in the Affordable Housing Finance’s 9th Annual Readers’ Choice competition.

To view photos of the construction, as well as the finished product, click here. And to learn more about the development, contact Provincetown Housing Coordinator Michelle Jarusiewicz at mjarusiewicz@provincetown-ma.gov.

Photos courtesy of Community Builders.