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Affordable Housing

Description: Meg Vaillancourt interviews Sterling Anderson of the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN) outside of the Dudley Branch Library about the lack of affordable housing in the Roxbury, Dorchester, and Mattapan areas. Anderson says that the city is not doing enough to provide affordable housing for low-income residents. Anderson questions the city's definition of low-income. He adds that most residents do not make enough money to meet the city's definition of low-income. Anderson and a group of ACORN protesters march to the offices of the Boston Redevelopment Authority on Washington Street in Dudley Square. Anderson and the protesters enter the office and confront Ricardo Millet of the Boston Redevelopment Authority (BRA) about the city's affordable housing policies. The protesters read a list of demands including that 70% of all new developments in the area must target low and moderate-income residents. The protesters demand information on all new planned developments in the Roxbury/Dorchester/Mattapan neighborhoods. Millet discusses the city's affordable housing policy with the protesters. He gives them handouts including a list of planned developments in the area. Millet says that the BRA is trying to provide affordable housing despite a lack of subsidies from the federal government.
1:00:14: Visual: A fire engine pulls out onto Washington Street. Elevated train tracks are visible. An African American firefighter operates the rear of the truck. Cars pull to the side of a congested street to let another fire engine pass. 1:01:22: V: Meg Vaillancourt sets up an interview with Sterling Anderson (ACORN). Vaillancourt asks about the march organized by ACORN (Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now) to protest the affordable housing policies of the Boston Redevelopment Authority (BRA). Anderson says that redevelopment in the areas of Roxbury, Dorchester, and Mattapan is not geared toward the current residents of those areas; that ACORN is trying to put pressure on the mayor and the BRA to include housing for current residents. Anderson says that most of the residents of those areas do not make more than $13,000 per year; that one-bedroom apartments are selling for $18,000 in one of the new developments. Anderson says that Ray Flynn (mayor of Boston) deserves credit for developing housing; that these efforts are insignificant if the residents of these areas cannot live in the new housing. Anderson talks about how poor people have been thrown out of areas like the South End. Anderson says that the residents need housing, not shelters; that the city needs to commit itself to affordable housing. Anderson says that the city defines low income as a salary of $18,000 to $23,000 per year; that the city defines a moderate income as an income of $23,000 per year. Anderson says that he defines low income as under $13,000; that he defines moderate income as $13,000 to $24,000 per year. Vaillancourt asks if the city is really serving its lower income residents. Anderson says that the city is not serving those residents; that a lot of people cannot afford housing; that the city is pushing low-income residents out of the areas of Roxbury, Dorchester, and Mattapan. Vaillancourt asks if race is the issue. Anderson says that it is an economic issue; that the low-income residents of Roxbury are African American; that there are low-income whites with the same problems in South Boston, Chelsea, and East Boston. Vaillancourt asks if Anderson doubts Flynn's commitment to the neighborhoods. Anderson says that he respects Flynn; that Flynn needs to understand that low-income residents are committed to fighting for affordable housing; that he needs to help these people. Anderson says that he cannot afford to give up on the fight for affordable housing; that he will have no place to live in five years if he does not put up a struggle. Anderson says that shelters are not the answer to the housing problem; that poor people do not want to live in shelters. Anderson says that there are some people who benefit from shelters; that the majority of people with low incomes are intelligent and hard-working. Anderson says that he hears the same statistics from the city at every meeting on affordable housing; that the city needs to make a commitment because working people cannot afford housing right now. The crew takes cutaway shots of Vaillancourt and Anderson. Anderson says that the BRA says the same thing at every meeting; that public housing advocates are always pushing for more low-income housing. Anderson says that 70% of the housing in the areas of Roxbury, Dorchester, and Mattapan needs to be for low- and moderate-income people. Anderson says that people in these areas have no place to live, despite the BRA's commitment to affordable housing; that developments in these areas should be priced at $35,000 instead of $65,000. 1:08:18: V: Housing protesters gather on the sidewalk on Washington Street, outside of the BRA's Dudley Office. The elevated train tracks are visible. The protesters chant, "We want housing. We won't wait. 2, 4, 6, 8." The protesters gather behind a banner reading, "ACORN." Shot of the BRA sign above the entrance to the office. The protesters march slowly into the BRA offices. The protesters chant, "What do we want? Housing. When do we want it? Now." The majority of the protesters are African American. The protesters file into the building. 1:10:48: V: The housing protesters enter a large room swith chairs set up for a meeting. The protesters chant, "2, 4, 6, 8. We want housing. We won't wait." The protesters stand at the side of the room, holding protest signs and chanting. Shot of a sign reading, "Third notice: Please be advised that you are required to build affordable housing." Shots of individual protesters. Ricardo Millet (BRA) sits in one of the chairs in the meeting room. He watches the protesters with interest. Millet invites the protesters to sit down. Anderson says that the protesters will remain standing. Anderson addresses Millet. Anderson says that there is a housing shortage in the areas of Roxbury, Dorchester, and Mattapan; that the BRA housing policy is ineffective; that residents of these areas need housing that they can afford. Anderson says that the newly developed housing target people with incomes of at least $23,000 per year; that most residents make less than $13,000 per year. Anderson says that the BRA and the city of Boston need to make a commitment to low-income housing; that 70% of the new development needs to target low-income residents. Anderson demands information on new developments planned for the Roxbury, Dorchester, and Mattapan areas. Anderson says that the BRA has not been forthcoming with that information; that the BRA needs to work with developers work with developers who have committed to building low-income housing. 1:14:34: V: An African American woman addresses Millet. She reads a list of ACORN demands: the cessation of development on Fountain Hill by June 15 unless the development is 70% affordable to those with low- and moderate-incomes; 70% of all new housing must target low- and moderate-income residents; that ACORN wants information on plans for new development in the area. Another protester says that the 70% quota applies to housing in the Roxbury, Dorchester, and Mattapan areas; that many residents of these areas make less than $13,000 per year; that an average income is more than $26,000 per year. The protester says that the voices of the poor must be heard. The protesters applaud. Anderson asks for a map of planned developments in the Roxbury/Mattapan area. Anderson says that the protesters will not allow new developments to be built if they cannot live in them. Millet stands to face the protesters. He listens as Anderson speaks. 1:16:10: V: Millet addresses the protesters. He invites the protesters to sit down and to discuss the issues with him. Anderson says that the protesters have been sitting in meetings for months; that the protesters want a list of the planned developments in the area. Millet says that he has never been asked for a list of the planned developments before now. Millet offers to provide the protesters with a list of projects currently undertaken by the BRA. Millet gives copies of a handout to the protesters. Millet notes that the BRA, under the Flynn administration, has approved 912 units of housing. Millet adds that the handout includes a list of approved projects as well as their locations, developers and affordablility. Shot of the printed handout. Millet says that 60% of the units in the approved developments are affordable to low- and moderate-income people. Shot of statistic on the handout reading, "60.4% of units below market rate." Anderson asks Millet to define low- and moderate-income. Millet says that the BRA will work with the protesters on the issue of low-income housing; that the BRA and the city want to respond to the needs of low-income people. Millet notes that it is hard to achieve these goals because the federal government has stopped subsidizing housing. Millet adds that the city has done well to achieve a 60% affordability rate in its new projects. Millet gives out copies of another handout. Millet explains that the handout covers the BRA's and the city's positions on affordable housing; that the handout describes the problem of affordable housing. Millet notes that the city is aware of the housing shortage. Anderson says that he gets the same responses every time he meets with the city and the BRA about housing; that no one is responding to their concerns. Shot of the crowd of protesters. Millet says that he has met with ACORN representatives in the past; that the BRA agrees with ACORN on the need to provide affordable housing; that the BRA is trying to achieve these goals without subsidies from the federal government. Millet stresses the fact that the BRA is committed to achieving these goals; that the BRA is trying their best to build affordable housing; that the BRA's achievement of a 60% affordabliltiy rate is remarkable.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 05/28/1986

Drug problem at Franklin Park

Description: David Boeri reports on drug traffic in the Franklin Development Project. William Sommers, the Boston Inspectional Services Commissioner tours a condemned building on Homestead Street. Interviews with Sommers and Pat Farreta about the problems in the building. Ferrata talks about drug dealers who sell drugs from their apartments. Boeri talks to a tenant, who refuses to comment on the drug traffic in the building. Boeri reports on a plan for increased police presence in the community to combat drug and footage of police making a drug arrest. Interview with Roxbury community leader Don Muhammad about how to solve the drug problem in the community. Following the edited story is b-roll of the Roxbury neighborhood around the Franklin Development Project. Also, additional footage from the tour of condemned buildings with Commissioner Sommers and Pat Ferrata. This edition of the Ten O'Clock News also included the following item: Ray Flynn proposes to increase the number of Boston residents working in Boston jobs
1:00:08: Visual: Footage William Sommers (Inspectional Services Commissioner, Boston) touring a condemned building on 157 Homestead Street in Roxbury. Shots of a rotted stairway; of a the structural beams showing through a wall. Footage of Sommers pointing to a rotted ceiling in an apartment. Shots of Sommers standing in the stairwell of the building. David Boeri reports that Sommers condemned the building at 157 Homestead Street on the previous day; that the tenants will be relocated while the building is repaired. V: Footage of Sommers saying that he has written up thousands of housing violations for the Franklin Development Project. Footage of African American tenants moving furniture from the decrepit building. Boeri reports that Sommers blames the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for neglecting this building and others. V: Shot of a cockroach crawling along a dirty wall. Shots of African American tenants in the lobby of the building. The lobby walls are covered with graffiti. Footage of Sommers saying that there needs to be continuous support for urban housing; that he does not want to repair this building only to see it fall apart again. Boeri stands in front of the building on Homestead Street. Boeri reports that the city will have to fight the drug pushers in the building. V: Footage of Pat Farreta (Housing Inspector) saying that drug buyers will smash down the front doors of buildings in order to reach the apartment of a drug dealer. Shot of a door covered in graffiti. Shots of an African American man removing cabinet doors from the building on Homestead Street. Boeri reports that tenants of these buildings are terrorized by drug dealers. V: Footage of Ferreta saying that tenants report that drugs are being dealt through a hole in the door of one of the apartments. Shot of Boeri, Sommers and Ferreta standing together. Ferreta says that drugs will be dealt in the building that evening if he does have the building secured. Boeri reports that Mrs. Walker (tenant) will be moved to a hotel or shelter while her apartment is fixed. V: Footage of Mrs. Walker looking away from the camera. She says that she does not want to talk about it. Boeri stands in front of the building on Homestead Street. Boeri reports that tenants are afraid of reprisals if they talk about the drug problem; that tenants have told him off-camera that drug dealing occurs day and night in the building. V: Footage of a handcuffed woman getting into a police cruiser. A white police officer closes the cruiser door. Shots of police officers standing on the sidewalks in Roxbury. Boeri reports that the court-appointed trustee for the Franklin Development Project used $300,000 of federal money to hire Boston Police officers to remove drug dealers. Boeri notes that Boston Police officers will be continually present on the streets of Roxbury for 30 days. V: Shot from a moving vehicle of police officers standing on a sidewalk. Boeri reports that community activists disagree about whether the police presence is a good thing. V: Shot of Boeri walking on a street with Don Muhammad (Roxbury community leader}. Footage of Muhammad saying that the community needs leadership more than it needs police; that absentee landlords and irresponsible tenants are part of the problem. Muhammad says that residents would drive out the drug pushers if they owned the buildings. Muhammad urges the courts to punish drug dealers to the full extent of the law. Muhammad compares a drug pusher to "someone who is driving an automobile at 150 mph in a 30 mph zone when children are crossing the street."
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 07/24/1986

Elma Lewis on Roxbury improvement

Description: Meg Vaillancourt interviews Elma Lewis (Roxbury community leader) about the Roxbury neighborhood. Lewis says that Roxbury is portrayed as "unworthy" by the news media. Lewis criticizes media coverage, housing policy, and police performance in Roxbury. Lewis talks about the need for a community to set its own standards, saying that she complains about certain types of behavior on her block. Lewis says that she will not be driven from her home by the problems in the neighborhood. She talks about her obligation to work for improvements in the community. Vaillancourt's report is accompanied by footage of residents and police in the Roxbury area and a shot of a photograph of Darlene Tiffany Moore (Roxbury resident). This edition of the Ten O'Clock News also included the following items: Teachers and parents are frustrated over new starting times for the Boston Public Schools for the coming school year Boston parents frustrated with Wilson and School Committee Charles Laquidara organizes a boycott against Shell Oil Company
1:00:21: Visual: Footage of Elma Lewis (Roxbury community leader) being interviewed by Meg Vaillancourt. Lewis says that the media portray Roxbury as "unworthy." Shot of a Boston Herald newspaper article with a photo of eleven -year-old Darlene Tiffany Moore (Roxbury resident). Vaillancourt reports that Lewis lives on the same block as Moore; that Moore was killed by a stray bullet in Roxbury last weekend. Vaillancourt reports that Lewis says that Roxbury is a better community than is portrayed in the media. V: Shots of stately houses on Homestead Street in Roxbury; of a camera man filming a man in a business suit on a street. Vaillancourt reports that drug dealers are not common in Roxbury. V: Shot of an African American woman pulling weeds from a crack in a sidewalk. A boy on a bicycle is with her. Shots of two white police officers patrolling a residential street in Roxbury. Shot of multi-family houses on a residential street in Roxbury. Vaillancourt reports that Lewis says that federal housing requirements create crowded and hostile conditions in Roxbury residences. V: Shots of houses in a new development in Roxbury. Footage of Lewis saying that section eight of the federal housing policy was designed to disseminate people over a large area; that the result of section eight has been new housing projects. Vaillancourt notes that Lewis has criticized the performance of the Boston Police Department in Roxbury. V: Shots of a police cruiser traveling down a Roxbury street; of a small group of African American kids on a street corner. Footage of Lewis saying that every child in Roxbury knows where the drugs are; that the police need to be reminded constantly of where the drugs are. Vaillancourt reports that Lewis is tough on her own community. V: Footage of Lewis saying that residents need to refuse to allow certain kinds of activity on their block. Lewis says that she will harass city authorities and those responsible for the activity until the behavior stops. Shots of African American women and children crossing a Roxbury street; of a police cruiser traveling down a residential street. Shots of people doing yard work outside of a new development of houses in Roxbury. Footage of Lewis saying that a community needs to set its own standards; that residents need to stop bad behavior before it gets out of control. Vaillancourt says that Lewis is optimistic about the people who live in Roxbury. V: Shot of African American children playing in front of a building in Roxbury. Footage of Lewis saying that she will not be driven from her home; that she will not get up and move every twenty years while others relax comfortably in the suburbs. Lewis says that she has an obligation to stay in the community and work for improvements.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 08/23/1988

Flynn, Affordable housing, Mandela, Mass.

Description: Mayor Ray Flynn holds a press conference in Roxbury to unveil plans for a new housing and commercial development to be built on a vacant lot in Douglass Square. The Boston Redevelopment Authority (BRA) cleared the land in the 1960s and never rebuilt on the lot. The owners and developers of the new project are African American. Flynn and City Councilor Bruce Bolling talk about the new development. Flynn says that all neighborhoods and all residents must share in the growth of the city. Bolling says that the proposal for the creation of Mandela, Massachusetts is a no longer an issue. Bolling and other Mandela opponents believe that the new development signifies a renewed commitment to the Roxbury neighborhood by the city of Boston.
1:00:10: Visual: Footage of Ray Flynn (Mayor of Boston) at an outdoor gathering in Roxbury. Flynn stands under a tent, addressing a crowd. Flynn talks about the vote against the proposal for the creation of Mandela, Massachusetts. Flynn says that the vote shows that the racial polarization of the city is in the past. Shot of the gathering from the back of the tent; of an architectural model. David Boeri reports that Flynn is advocating affordable housing and economic opportunity in every neighborhood. Boeri notes that Flynn unveiled a plan for a project in Douglass Square; that the Boston Redevelopment Authority (BRA) cleared a two-acre plot of land in Douglass Square in the 1960s; that the lot has been abandoned since then. V: Shot of a mural on the wall of a building in Douglass Square in Roxbury; of buildings in Douglass Square; of a vacant lot in Douglass Square; of architectural plans and an architectural model. Boeri reports that a housing and commercial complex is slated to be built on the vacant lot; that one-quarter of the units will be set aside for low-income housing. V: Footage of Bruce Bolling (Boston City Council) saying that the project addresses the need for economic re-investment in Roxbury. Boeri reports that the developers and owners of the project will be African American; that Bolling noted that Roxbury is becoming a full and equal partner in the city of Boston. V: Shots of African American crowd members; of an African American man standing beside an architectural drawing of the project. Footage of Bolling saying that the incorporation of minority neighborhoods into a new city is a dead issue. Boeri reports that Flynn had a unity breakfast with Roxbury leaders this morning; that Flynn pledged to make the city of opportunity for all. V: Shots of the crowd at the gathering. Footage of Flynn saying that all residents need to share in the city's growth and prosperity; that development of the downtown must be accompanied by development of the neighborhoods. Boeri stands in the vacant lot in Douglass Square. Boeri says that the lot has represented an empty promise by the city of Boston to the people of Roxbury. Boeri says that Bolling and other leaders fought the idea of secession from the city. Boeri adds that these leaders say that the plans for the new project are a signal that "their time has come."
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 11/05/1986

Grove Hall revitalization

Description: Marcus Jones reports on the competion of renovations at the Renaissance Building in the Grove Hall district of Roxbury. The project was funded with money from the city's only minority-owned bank and was overseen by minority architects and contractors. Jones adds that the building is a cornerstone of the Grove Hall revitalization effort. People hold a celebration for the completion of the restorations. A crowd stands outside of the building. Virginia Morrison (Neighborhood Development Corporation of Grove Hall) and Don Muhammad (Muhammad's Mosque) address the crowd. Muhammad says that gang activity will decline as more renovation takes place in the neighborhood. Interview with Trevor Blake (TTB Construction Inc.) and Ernest Scott, a businessman, about the renovations. Blake talks about the challenges faced by minority businesses and contractors. Scott says that renovations and increased foot traffic will force the drug trade out of the area. Jones reports that the city of Boston has committed an additional $50,000 to the Grove Hall revitalization effort.
1:00:01: Visual: Footage of a gathering to celebrate the restoration of the Renaissance Building in the Grove Hall district of Roxbury. Virginia Morrison (Neighborhood Development Corporation of Grove Hall) addresses the gathering. Morrison says that the building makes a statement on behalf of Muhammad's Mosque, of the Grove Hall Board of Trade, of the Prince Hall Masonic Lodge, of the residents of the area. Morrison says that the building represents the way that the residents of the area intend to live. Shot of a man tearing off paper above the door to reveal the street number. Marcus Jones reports the newly renovated Renaissance Building is located at 483 - 487 Blue Hill Avenue. Jones says that the building was "an eyesore" for more than a decade; that the building is now the cornerstone of the Grove Hall revitalization effort. V: Footage of Morrison addressing the gathered crowd. Supporters stand behind her, including Don Muhammad (Muhammad's Mosque). Morrison says that the building cost $1,276,000 to renovate; that the building was renovated by qualified African American workers from the community. Shot from an upper window of the Renaissance building, of the intersection of Blue Hill Avenue and Cheney Street. Shots of people looking at the interior of the newly-renovated building. Shot of the newly renovated kitchen. Jones reports that the project was funded with money from the city's only minority-owned bank; that the project was overseen by minority architects and contractors. Jones reports that the building includes twelve apartments on the upper floors of the building; that there is retail space on the bottom level. V: Shot of a man exiting the Ernest Scott Insurance Agency. Footage of Trevor Blake (TTB Construction Inc.) standing in one of the apartments. Blake talks about the challenges faced by African American businesses and contractors. Footage of Ernest Scott (businessman) saying that the whole neighborhood is improving. Jones reports that Scott's Insurance Agency has operated on Blue Hill Avenue for over thirty years. Jones notes that Scott's business is one of the new tenants in the Renaissance Building; that Scott believes that businesses and residents need to fight the gangs and drug dealers in the neighborhood. V: Shot of the exterior of the Ernest Scott Insurance Agency. Shot of a man fixing lettering to the interior of a window of the Insurance Agency; of an employee and customer at the Insurance Agency. Footage of Scott saying that foot traffic and business activity puts a damper on the drug trade. Scott says that participants in the drug trade will be forced out of the area. Shots of traffic on the street in the Grove Hall area; of the crowd gathered in front of the Renaissance Area. Jones reports that community organizers hope to refurbish the entire Grove Hall district within five years; that Ray Flynn (Mayor of Boston) has committed an addtional $50,000 to the effort. V: Footage of Muhammad addressing the crowd outside of the Renaissance Building. Muhammad says that the Grove Hall community deserves the same respect and resources as any other neighborhood. Muhammad says that gang activity will dwindle as more renovation takes place in the neighborhood. The crowd claps for Muhammad. Morrison approaches the microphone.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 03/12/1990

Minority developers

Description: Marcus Jones reports that a group of minority developers will work with Mayor Ray Flynn and the Boston Redevelopment Authority (BRA) to develop a multi-million dollar complex including office, retail, and residential space in downtown Boston. The complex will replace a downtown parking garage. Jones reports that Flynn's "parcel to parcel linkage program" will link downtown development to development in minority neighborhoods. Jones adds that this project will be linked to a parcel of land in Roxbury. Flynn and the developers, called the Columbia Plaza Associates, hold a press conference to announce plans for the development. Interviews with President of City Council Bruce Bolling and Davis Woo of the Chinese Investment Group about the need for development in minority neighborhoods. Interview with Stephen Coyle, the BRA Commissioner, about opportunities for minority involvement in development. This edition of the Ten O'Clock News also included the following items: Community leaders talk about the significance of the African Meeting House and Renovation of the African Meeting House
1:00:30: Visual: Shots of downtown Boston; of construction in downtown Boston. Marcus Jones reports that $7 billion has been invested in construction in dowtown Boston over the past nine years. V: Shot of Ray Flynn (Mayor of Boston) and a group of minority developers. Jones reports that a group of minority developers are working with Flynn through his "parcel to parcel linkage program"; that the developers will work with the Flynn administraton on a multi-million dollar development which will replace a downtown parking garage. V: Shot of the downtown parking garage. Footage of Flynn saying that a united partnership has been created with members of the Asian, African American, and Hispanic communities. Jones reports that the developers have called themselves the Columbia Plaza Associates; that the developers have raised $2.5 million of their $5.7 million goal. V: Shot of an African American developer standing among the group. Jones notes that the developers represent an important part of Flynn's plan to link downtown development to development in minority neighborhoods such as Chinatown and Roxbury. V: Footage of Bruce Bolling (President, Boston City Council) saying that "those who have been factored out will now be factored in." Footage of Davis Woo (Chinese Investment Group) saying that the developers will work toward buiding new housing in Chinatown; that there is not enough housing in Chinatown. Jones reports that city officials expect to see a development with office, retail, and housing space built to replace the parking garage; that the project is valued at $400 million; that $100 million is earmarked for the minority developers who have won the right to co-develop the project. V: Shot of the parking garage; of a relief of the seal of the city of Boston set into the wall of the garage. Footage of Stephen Coyle (Commissioner, Boston Redevelopment Authority) saying that the minority developers have the "inside track" to develop the project; that this project marks the beginning of a "new era" in the city. Jones reports that up to $15 million spent to purchase the land from the city will be spent by the minority developers to create jobs and to build offices, stores and housing on a 5-acre parcel of land near the Ruggles MBTA Station in Roxbury. V: Overhead shot of the parcel of land in Roxbury. Footage of Coyle saying that the Boston economy will remain strong for the next decade; that teams of minority developers will be able to take advantage of new economic opportunities. Footage of Bolling saying that the work of minority developers will ensure future minority participation in the city. Jones reports that city officials will designate a formal development team for the linkage project in the winter; that construction is slated to start in the spring of 1988. V: Shot of the parking garage.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 09/19/1986

Modular housing pilot project

Description: Marcus Jones reports on the construction of modular townhouse condominiums in Roxbury. He notes that the condominiums are affordable housing developed by a private developer. Jones tours the condominiums with tenant Kay Williams. Interview with Williams and future tenant Wanda Wallace about the condominiums. Interview with Alan Harap of the Bergmeyer Development Company about the modular condominiums. Harap says that the condominiums are an economical approach to affordable housing in Roxbury. Interview with Shay Allan of the Boston Public Facilities Department about the affordability of the condominiums. Jones reviews the price of the condominiums and notes that mortgages are available through the state's home ownership program. Jones notes that private developers can profit from building modular units for affordable housing.
1:00:05: Visual: Shot of a modular housing unit being lowered onto a site by crane. Marcus Jones reports that modular homes are built in factories, loaded onto trucks and placed on plots of land. V: Shots of a driver operating a truck; of a modular housing unit on the back of a truck; of a worker supervising the descent of a modular housing unit onto a site. Footage of Wanda Wallace (future homeowner) holding her infant as she is interviewed by Marcus Jones. Wallace says that she never expected the condominiums to be ready so soon; that she thought the condominiums would be very expensive. Jones reports that Wallace's family and four other families will be moving into the modular condominium townhouses. V: Shot of the site of the condominium townhouses. The townhouses are being constructed. Shot of workers using a drill to put the buildings together. Shot of Kay Williams (future homeowner) and Marcus Jones touring the interior of one of the buildings. Footage of Williams saying that she is happy to be able to afford to stay in the neighborhood; that the neighborhood will be a desirable neighborhood in a few years. Shots of the interior of one of the condominiums; of the bathroom in one of the condominiums. Jones reports that the condominiums are affordable housing developed by a private developer; that the private developer approached the city with the idea for the project. V: Footage of Alan Harap (Bergmeyer Development Company) standing in front of the site. Harap says that the Roxbury condominiums are a pilot project for the company; that there are many vacant lots in Roxbury where affordable housing could be built. Shot of a man directing the driver of a truck. The truck has a modular housing unit loaded onto the back. Jones reports that the 2-bedroom townhouses range from $86,000 to $100,000; that low-interest mortgages are being provided through the state's home ownership program. V: Shot of the interior of one of the townhouses; of the street below from the window of one of the townhouses. Footage of Shay Allen (Boston Public Facilities Department) saying that the homeowners will only need to put down a 5% downpayment on the townhouses. Shot of a crane being used to place one the modular units on a site. Construction workers oversee the placement of the unit. Footage of Harap being interviewed by Jones. Harap says that constructing buildings on site is more economical for large developments; that modular housing is an economical way to put affordable housing on small, scattered sites. Jones stands in front of the townhouse site. Construction continues on behind him. Jones reports that the developers say that modular units can be used to provide affordable housing anywhere; that the demand is great for affordable housing; that the developers will profit from meeting the demand.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 07/28/1988

Mortgage aid in minority neighborhoods

Description: David Boeri reports on the Bank of Boston's new mortgage program for low- and moderate-income city residents. President of Bank of Boston Ira Stepanian and Robert Mahoney announcing the new program to the media at a press conference at a Roxbury branch of the Bank of Boston. Boeri reviews the terms of the program. He notes that many houses in the area are not eligible for the program because their sale prices are too high. Interview with Roxbury resident Diana Strother, who says that many residents do not make enough money to take advantage of the program. Interview with Leon Wilson from the Bank of Boston about the terms of mortgages under the program. Boeri notes that the units in the Fort Hill condominium complex are too expensive to qualify for the Bank of Boston program. Interview with Boston resident Alvin Wilkins and realtor Eve Moss about housing prices in the area. Interview with Bruce Marks from the Hotel and Restaurant Workers Union. Marks calls the Bank of Boston program a "public relations scam" if it does not truly help low-income residents with followup steps.
1:00:03: Visual: Footage of Ira Stepanian (President, Bank of Boston) speaking to the media at a Roxbury branch of the Bank of Boston. Stepanian says that the Bank of Boston would like to help to solve some of the city's problems. Shots of media and audience members listening to Stepanian. David Boeri reports that Stepanian talked about the Bank of Boston's new mortgage program for city residents. Boeri notes that the new program is called First Step With Rate Advantage. Boeri describes the terms of the mortgages offered under the program. Boeri reports that the first year's rate is 8.65%; that the maximum purchase price cannot exceed $140,000 for a single unit; that the maximum purchase price cannot exceed $185,000 for a two-family home; that the maximum purchase price cannot exceed $225,000 for a three-family home. Boeri notes that individuals making $35,000 or less are eligible for the program; that families making $45,000 or less are eligible. V: On-screen text details the terms of the mortgages offered under the program. Footage of Robert Mahoney (Bank of Boston) addressing the audience at the Roxbury branch of the bank. Mahoney says that the program serves the needs of a certain segment of the population. Shots of African American women in the audience. Boeri notes that some Roxbury residents say that the program is out of reach for them. V: Footage of Diana Strother (Roxbury resident) saying that Roxbury residents pay the highest rents in the city; that the average income in Roxbury is $15,000. Strothers says that most Roxbury residents do not make enough to take advantage of the program. Footage of Leon Wilson (Bank of Boston) being interviewed by Boeri. Boeri notes that it is difficult to find a house for $140,000 in this neighborhood. Boeri asks about monthly mortgage payment on a $140,000 house. Wilson says that residents would pay $1,100 per month if they made a downpayment of $14,000. Boeri reports that it is hard to find houses which meet the eligibility requirements of the program. V: Shot of a condominium complex in Fort Hill with units for sale. Shot of Boeri talking to a small group of people on the front porch of one of the Fort Hill condominium buildings. Boeri notes that condominium units in a Fort Hill development are selling between $149,000 and $165,000. Boeri notes that the condominiums do not meet the eligibility requirements of the Bank of Boston program; that the condominiums are not affordable for many residents. V: Shot of homes on a residential street. Footage of Alvin Wilkins (Boston resident) being interviewed by Boeri. Boeri asks Wilkins if it is possible to find homes for $140,000 in the area. Wilkins says that homes selling at $140,000 need a lot of repair. Wilkins says that it is impossible to find a home which is ready to move in to at that price. Footage of Eve Moss (realtor) saying that the average mortgage payment for one of the Fort Hill condominiums is $1,200. Moss says that it is difficult to make those mortgage payments on a salary of $45,000 or less. Footage of Wilson saying that the Bank of Boston is trying to provide an opportunity for some people to own a home. Footage of Bruce Marks (Hotel and Restaurant Workers Union) says that the Bank of Boston is pulling a public relations scam if they are trying to bill the program as an example of a low- and moderate-income home ownership program. Marks says that he would like to see a program which is truly aimed at low- and moderate-income people. Footage of Mahoney addressing the audience at a Roxbury branch of Bank of Boston. Boeri reports that many hope the program's next step will be a bigger one.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 05/10/1989

Parcel 18 development

Description: Meg Vaillancourt reports that the city of Boston is experimenting with a parcel-to-parcel linkage program to promote development in both the downtown area and in the outlying neighborhoods of the city. A new development project has linked a development in Chinatown to the development of Parcel 18 near the Ruggles MBTA station in Roxbury; the developers had to agree to develop both parcels of land. Vaillancourt reviews the details of the proposed development in each neighborhood. Interview with Stephen Coyle of the Boston Redevelopment Authority about the linkage project. Coyle says that the city is linking desirable downtown sites to sites in other neighborhoods in an attempt to bring jobs and services to the neighborhoods. Mayor Ray Flynn, Governor Michael Dukakis, and City Councilor Bruce Bolling at a press conference in Roxbury talk about the benefits of the linkage project. The Columbia Plaza Associates are a group of minority developers who will most likely develop the sites in Chinatown and Roxbury. Vaillancourt reviews the city's criteria for the development project. The project may bring more jobs and better housing to the Roxbury neighborhood. Following the edited story is b-roll of the area near the Ruggles MBTA station. This edition of the Ten O'Clock News also included the following item: Jesse Jackson campaigns for president in New Hampshire
1:00:06: Visual: Footage of Stephen Coyle (Boston Redevelopment Authority) saying that public land is being used to create "community equity." Shots of a street in Chinatown.<br /><br />Meg Vaillancourt reports that a new development project will affect two communities; that a parking garage and another lot on Essex Street will be developed into office space, retail space, a hotel, and moderate-income housing. Vaillancourt adds that land near the Ruggles MBTA station in Roxbury will be developed into a commercial center with two office buildings, a cultural center, and mixed-income housing for over 150 families. <br /><br />: V: Shots of a parking garage in Chinatown; of the area near the Ruggles Street MBTA station in Roxbury.<br /><br />Vaillancourt notes that developers who wanted the land in Chinatown had to agree to develop the land in Roxbury. <br /><br />: V: Shot of shoppers on a street in Chinatown; of African American commuters entering the Ruggles MBTA station. Shot of a sign reading, "Parcel-to-parcel linkage program project #1. Kingston-Bedford/Parcel 18."<br /><br />Vaillancourt reports that the parcel-to-parcel linkage program is the first program of its kind in the nation. <br /><br />V: Footage of Coyle saying that the downtown sites are desirable to developers; that the city is linking downtown sites with sites in other neighborhoods; that the city would like to bring the service economy into other neighborhoods. Coyle says that Roxbury can benefit from a service economy, especially with the new MBTA orange line trains. Footage of Ray Flynn (Mayor of Boston) addressing a crowd seated outside of the Ruggles MBTA station. Flynn talks about the necessity of good jobs, affordable housing, and neighborhood revitalization. The crowd applauds. The crowd is mostly African American. Shots of an older African American woman in the crowd.<br /><br />Vaillancourt reports that the $400 million project will provide benefits to both communities; that the projects will create more than 2,000 jobs in construction; that the projects will provide more than 8,000 permanent jobs when complete. <br /><br />V: Shots of construction workers working on building sites. Footage of Michael Dukakis (Governor of Massachusetts) saying that these projects will prove to students that there are opportunities for them if they stay in school to be trained. Shot of the audience members. Footage of Bruce Bolling (President, Boston City Council) says that the projects are about the "economic mainstreaming" of those who had been factored out of the process. Shots of an African American woman and her child in the audience; of an African American man at the podium.<br /><br />Vaillancourt reports that Roxbury and Chinatown residents met with the Columbia Plaza Associates; that Columbia Plaza Associates are the minority developers of the projects. Vaillancourt notes that the Columbia group must satisfy five criteria before being officially designated as the developer of the projects. Vaillancourt reports that the group must expand minority and community participation in the project beyond 30%; that the group must develop a plan with clear community benefits; that the plan must get maximum benefit from the $6.6 million in linkage funds; that the project plans must be sensitive in scale and design; that the group must find private investors who promote community ownership and who will insure the projects. <br /><br />V: Shot of the Boston skyline from area near the Ruggles MBTA station. Text on screen lists the city's criteria for development. Footage of Coyle being interviewed by Vaillancourt. Coyle says that the plan requires that the land be put to use for the community. Shot of an African American woman holding her child.<br /><br />Vaillancourt stands in front of the Ruggles MBTA station. Vaillancourt reports that Roxbury community activists blocked a 1970 plan to extend an interstate highway; that the plan would have destroyed several area neighborhoods; that the activists argued for more jobs, more housing and better transportation. Vaillancourt notes that the project looks like it will fulfill the wishes of those community activists.:
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 10/12/1987

Redressing Roxbury disinvestment

Description: Hope Kelly reports that the Boston Bank of Commerce is sponsoring the Home Ownership Loan Pool, to encourage homeownership loans for residents in minority neighborhoods. The neighborhoods of Roxbury, Dorchester, and Mattapan have received little investment money in the past. Kelly's report includes footage from a press conference with Ronald Homer (President, Boston Bank of Commerce) and community leaders. Bruce Bolling (Boston City Council) speaks out in support of the new program. Homer talks about the Home Ownership Loan Pool. Homer says that concessionary-rate lending does not serve the long-term interests of the community. Kelly reviews the details of Homer's proposal. Kelly notes that housing is scarce in Roxbury while vacant lots are plentiful. Kelly interviews Gus Newport (Dudley Street Neighborhood Initiative). Newport says that disinvestment has been a problem in the greater Roxbury neighborhood. Kelly, Newport and Gertrude Fidalgo (community worker) take a walk in the Dudley Street neighborhood. Fidalgo says that development of vacant lots will create safer conditions in the area. Kelly notes that new housing developments are planned for the area. Kelly's report includes footage of workers at the Dudley Street Neighborhood Initiative building.
1:00:09: Visual: Shots of vacant lots in the Roxbury neighborhood of Boston. Hope Kelly reports that vacant lots in Roxbury are only 1.5 miles from downtown Boston. V: Footage of Gus Newport (Executive Director, Dudley Street Initiative) being interviewed near a vacant lot by Kelly. Kelly notes that these lots would have been developed years ago if they were in a different part of the city. Newport agrees with Kelly. Newport says that no bank financing was available to developers interested in the Roxbury neighborhood. Footage of Bruce Bolling (Boston City Council) speaking at a press conference. Bolling says that there has been "a process of disinvestment" in the Roxbury community for over thirty years. Bolling says that the members of the community must determine the direction of the community's growth. Shots of the attendees of the press conference, including Juanita Wade (Boston School Committee), Charles Yancey (Boston City Council), Gail Snowden (Bank of Boston), Don Muhammad (Roxbury community leader) and Newport. Shot of Mel King (community activist) listening at the entrance to the room. Kelly reports that the neighborhoods of Roxbury, Dorchester, and Mattapan have not received much investment money in the past; that a new bank program will provide financing in those neighborhoods. V: Footage from the press conference. Bolling sits at a table with Ronald Homer (President, Boston Bank of Commerce) and two others. African American community leaders stand behind them. Homer talks about a proposal which encourages banks to commit a portion of their loan portfolios to serve the greater Roxbury area. Kelly reports that the Boston Bank of Commerce is the only bank in Massachusetts that is owned and operated by African Americans. Kelly reports that the Boston Bank of Commerce is sponsoring the Home Ownership Loan Pool. Kelly reports that the loan pool encourages banks to set aside $250 million in loans for minority neighborhoods; that $25 million of the loans are to be set aside for first-time home buyers at below-market mortgage rates. Kelly reports that $100 million of the loans are to be set aside for the renovation or purchase of existing housing stock; that $500,000 be set aside for a home ownership and financing resource center. V: Shot of the exterior of the Boston Bank of Commerce. On-screem text and visuals detail the specifics of the Home Ownership Loan Pool. Footage of Homer at the press conference. Homer says that the Boston Bank of Commerce has taken a stand in the past against concessionary-rate lending. Homer says that concessionary-rate lending is not a useful way to serve the community in the long-term. Shots of attendees at the press conference including Newport, Juanita Wade (Boston School Committee) and Charles Yancey (Boston City Council). Kelly reports that Homer and others believe that concessionary-rate lending may be a good short-term solution. Kelly reports that Newport agrees with Homer. Kelly notes that Newport is the former mayor of Berkeley, California. V: Shot of the exterior of the Dudley Street Neighborhood Initiative building. Shot of Newport standing inside the building. Shots of staff members doing office work at the Dudley Street Neighborhood Initiative. Kelly reports that the Dudley Street Neighborhood Initiative was founded in 1984; that the Initiative has eminent domain power and zoning authority over 1.5 square miles of Roxbury land. Kelly notes that housing is scarce in Roxbury; that vacant lots are plentiful in the area. V: Shot of a map of Roxbury in the Dudley Street Neighborhood Initiative office. Footage of Newport and Kelly standing in front of a map of Roxbury. Newport points out the vacant lots in the area. Newport says that the Roxbury area has the most vacant land of any neighborhood in the city. Shots of Kelly, Newport and Gertrude Fidalgo (community worker) on a snowy street in Roxbury. They pass by a vacant lot. Kelly reports that 364 units of housing are planned for Roxbury; that most of those units will be affordable. V: Footage of Newport saying that disinvestment has been a major problem in the area. Kelly says that the banks are responsible for the initial disinvestment in the neighborhood. V: Footage of Newport saying that it is hard to believe that these conditions exist so close to downtown Boston. Footage of Fidalgo saying that she would not want to walk through this area because there are no streetlights or houses. Fidalgo says that more housing will create safer conditions in the neighborhood. Shots of a vacant lot and the surrounding area.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 12/28/1989