Kilby-Gardner-Hammond

This public/private initiative, often referred to as the Kilby-Gardner-Hammond Project as these streets form the geographical boundaries of the project, represents a multi-phased, comprehensive neighborhood revitalization effort in the South Main section of the City. The project involves the redevelopment of 30 acres for recreational facilities, a new Boys & Girls Club facility, and housing construction. Project components include acquisition, assembly, demolition, environmental assessment and remediation, and redevelopment.

Phase I includes the acquisition, relocation, demolition, and remediation of 7.8 acres for recreational facilities and the new Boys & Girls Club, a planned $6 million facility which will replace the current club. Public costs of Phase I are estimated at $7.8 million. In order to initiate and continue Phase I of the project, the City of Worcester, through a direct HUD Section 108 Loan, has borrowed $5.8 million. Private investment leveraged in this phase will be $8 million. Phase II, which will commence in 2 to 3 years, consists of 60 to 80 new units of housing that will be available to low to moderate income individuals. The City entered into a contract with an environmental firm to perform environmental assessments at the 7.8 acre site. Site investigation has been completed and remediation strategies are being planned. Funding received to date includes a $1 million Neighborhood Initiative Program grant from HUD, a $161,500 EPA grant, and a $25,500 pre-development feasibility grant from MassDevelopment. In addition, the City was the recipient of a $500,000 HUD Economic Development Initiative grant that will be used to cover interest payments for a period of approximately two years on the note the KGHLLC has with the Life Initiative. Finally, the KGHLLC has purchased all of the impacted properties and relocation of existing tenants is underway.