CHICOPEE –Mayor Richard Kos and Valley Opportunity Council Executive Director Stephen Huntley joined Governor Charlie Baker in announcing the commitment of affordable housing resources to support the redevelopment of the Kendall apartments in downtown Chicopee.

The State, acting through its Department of Housing and Community Development selected the Kendall from 63 applications across the state. The Chicopee site is one of only 23 applicants that were awarded funding in the entire state. “We were pleased to work with the Valley Opportunity to insure the success of their application in this round” stated Mayor Kos.

The project involves the revitalization of the existing 38 units along with the creation of a new fully accessible unit. The creation of the additional unit complies with the City’s 40R district goals to create workforce housing. The Kendall signals additional investment in downtown Chicopee.

“This project is made possible by a combination of federal, state, and local funds,” said Representative Joseph F. Wagner. “It’s a partnership, spearheaded by the Valley Opportunity Council, which will facilitate substantial improvements to the Kendall property and provide more quality housing in the downtown Chicopee area.”

The Valley Opportunity Council will invest nearly $7,000,000 to rehabilitate the property, a welcomed investment. “They join a contingent of businesses that together with the City are committed to a strong, vibrant, downtown,” said Kos. “We appreciate VOC’s commitment.”

“We are excited to transform a property that has been struggling in the downtown to become a productive partner in the City’s downtown development”, said Executive Director Stephen Huntley.