Multifamily

NEW YORK CITY —Long Island, New York City-based The Arker Companies has finalized the financing package for Hewitt House Apartments, an 83-unit affordable housing project located at 886 Westchester Ave. in the Longwood neighborhood of the Bronx, New York City. In addition to the residential units, the 75,300-square-foot development will contain approximately 11,500 square feet of ground-floor retail space. The residential units will be reserved for households earning up to 60 percent of the city’s annual median income, with 17 units set aside for formerly homeless families and individuals. Construction will begin this month, with completion scheduled for fall 2010. The financing package comprises $11 million in tax-exempt bonds and $4.56 million in subordinate financing provided by the New York City Housing Development Corp. Wachovia Securities is providing $7.4 million in tax credit equity, and Bank of America is providing a construction letter of credit totaling $11.1 million, as well as a $2.16 million loan to finance the retail portion of the project. Lastly, Freddie Mac, through MMA Financial, is providing credit enhancement for a $4.1 million permanent mortgage. The project is expected to cost $24.4 million.

BOSTON — The Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston has awarded approximately $22.1 million in grants, loans and rate subsidies for 21 affordable housing initiatives in New England. The funds were awarded as part of the bank’s Affordable Housing Program, which seeks to create or preserve rental and for-sale housing for low-income individuals and families. The bank commits 10 percent of its net profits each year to the program, which provides funds to help pay for construction, acquisition or rehabilitation costs. In Massachusetts, $10.2 million was awarded for nine projects totaling 390 units. In Vermont, $5 million was awarded for four projects totaling 158 units. In Maine, $2 million was awarded for two projects totaling 67 units. In Connecticut, $1.8 million was awarded for three projects totaling 33 units. In Rhode Island, $1.6 million was awarded for a 10-unit project. Finally, in New Hampshire, $1.5 million was awarded for two project totaling 63 units.