ATHOL — U.S. Congressman Jim McGovern visited Athol on Friday to announce he has secured $1 million in federal funding to support the construction of 53 units of affordable housing in town.

Funding for the NewVue Communities Riverbend-Bigelow Schools Project was included in the omnibus appropriations bill passed by Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden in December. The development will preserve the two historic schools while adding a new connecting building that will be used for senior housing. Once completed, the project will provide 20 one-bedroom, 24 two-bedroom and 9 three-bedroom apartments, as well as communal garden plots and recreation spaces.

In introducing McGovern, NuVue Executive Director Mark Dohan said the call he received from the congressman informing him the funding had been secured came at the perfect time.

“We are so very grateful for that funding,” Dohan said, “particularly in this sort of environment, with inflation and the acute need for housing.”

“This development will help address the pressing issue of affordable housing in this community,” said McGovern, who thanked Dohan, Athol Town Manager Shaun Suhoski and the town’s Selectboard for their leadership on the project. He also gave credit to state Rep. Susannah Whipps, who was unable to make Friday’s event.

“It’s evident that we’re facing a housing crisis, not just here in Massachusetts, but across the country,” said the lawmaker, “particularly when it comes to affordable housing, and this crisis disproportionately affects seniors and children, who are often excluded from other affordable housing communities. So, the NewVue Communities Riverbend-Bigelow Schools Project will confront this problem head-on and serves as a testament to the power of innovative solutions while preserving the rich history of our community.”

McGovern said the project will provide more than just places to live, referring to the amenities to be included.

“[It] will also incorporate communal gardens and recreation spaces,” he continued. “These features will foster a sense of community, enabling residents to connect, grow and thrive together.”

McGovern also emphasized the importance of the project’s location.

“People in this community have said to me repeatedly, especially those who are getting older, that they want to stay here but there aren’t many options,” he explained. “Well, this will provide an option for people to stay here.”

The development, McGovern added, is within convenient distance of health care providers, grocery stores and several employers. In addition, MART (Montachusett Regional Transit Authority) provides transportation services to nearly two dozen surrounding communities.

“The NewVue Communities Riverbend-Bigelow Schools Project will infuse new life into this community and generate commercial demand in downtown Athol, all while preserving the historic significance of these schools,” he said. “By honoring our past while embracing the future, we can build a stronger, more inclusive community right here in Athol.”

Following McGovern to the podium, Suhoski said for projects like this to get off the ground, it takes perseverance, patience and persistence. He explained that the schools — one built a century ago, the other 90 years ago — had served the town well until 2016, when their use was discontinued. Anticipating the closures, town officials that same year began the process of trying to find developers to make use of the buildings, but funding sources at that time, he said, “were kind of hazy.”

The town went ahead with a design competition, which led to the town’s association with NewVue.

“This plan, Congressman, is really picking up steam,” Suhoski said.

NewVue Communities estimated in 2020 that the cost of the project would come in at around $30 million. The project will be paid for through numerous funding sources, including various tax credits and state and federal programs.

While the opening of the new development will help alleviate some of the demand for housing in Athol, more is still needed. A community housing forum will be held at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, May 30, at Athol Public Library to explore other areas of town that may be suited for affordable housing.

Greg Vine can be reached at gvineadn@gmail.com.

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