Special to the Times-Free Press
Mayor Michelle Wu joined the East Boston Community Development Corporation (CDC) for the East Boston Neighborhood Trust Blue Line Celebration that was held Jan. 31, in the auditorium at the Barnes School Apartments.
Al Cardarelli, executive director of the East Boston CDC who has been a part of the organization for 50 years, was master of ceremonies for the festive event that marked the East Boston Neighborhood Trust’s previously announced acquisition of 114 units in 36 site properties throughout East Boston, reclaiming the units off the private market to create affordable, family housing in East Boston.
Mayor Wu, Sen. Lydia Edwards, Rep. Adrian Madaro, and Boston City Councilor Gabriela Coletta each congratulated the East Boston CDC on its successful efforts in providing affordable housing to residents.
In his introduction of Mayor Wu, Caldarelli said “we were fortunate to elect a mayor who has come forth and proven to us that she supports us in all of our efforts and from the very beginning of her administration, she has started to push forward affordable housing, open space for our children, and care for our children.”
Tayna Hahnel, director of real estate for the East Boston CDC, said the event was “a celebration with our community partners who have been organizing for affordable housing and anti-displacement work in East Boston for the better part of the last ten years.”
Hahnel lauded the several funders and investors “who stepped up and helped raise the $50 million it took to take these 114 units off the market.”
“Honestly, this event was just an opportunity to celebrate with old and new partners,” said Hahnel.
East Boston CDC oversees approximately 700 apartments located mostly in East Boston, but also in the North End, along with one property in Winthrop.