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| Issue: # 4 |
September 2009 |
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LDS Continues to Provide a Plethora of Services
Greetings!
LDS Consulting Group, LLC has wrapped up a busy summer of work in Massachusetts and beyond! The Newton-based company has provided consulting services to clients in Milton and Taunton and completed housing market studies in Yarmouth and Stow. Continuing to grow its service area, LDS has also conducted demand analyses for housing developments in Louisiana and has been placed on a preferred market study provider lists in three new states.
Looking forward, LDS is preparing to start work in Wayland where the company was recently chosen as part of team to provide planning services for a potential affordable housing development. In addition, LDS Principal Lynne D. Sweet is heading up a new subcommittee of the Newton Housing Partnership that is exploring ways to streamline affordable housing funding in the city.
In other exciting news, LDS has two new part time research associates available to strengthen its bench , Theodora Hadjimichael and Jesse Kanson-Benanav. Both bring significant skills to LDS, with Theodora having previously conducted market research in Massachusetts and Jesse having received a master's degree in planning from Massachusetts Institute of Technology. |
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 LDS Provides Services in Greater Boston CommunitiesLDS completed several market studies and feasibility analyses in communities in Greater Boston this summer.
Temple Shalom, Milton, MA
In Milton, LDS provided project review services for the Temple Shalom site on Blue Hill Avenue on behalf of the Milton Planning Board and the Temple Redevelopment Advisory Board. The company reviewed the market demand and financial feasibility for a range of proposed commercial and residential uses for the site, including multifamily housing, assisted living and retail uses.
In Taunton, LDS helped Hamilton Development prepare its application to the Massachusetts Historic Commission for its Part 2 submission. The application seeks an award of state historic tax credits. As part of it services, LDS created financial pro-formas, obtained letters of support, and developed a phased timeline for the Whittenton Mill Complex, which includes 350,000 square feet of 1850's mill buildings on 35 acres of land.
The Stow Community Housing Corporation hired LDS this summer to update a 2008 market study in connection with a proposed expansion of its affordable multifamily rental development, Pilot Grove Apartments.
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LDS Aids Housing Projects in Louisiana, Expands Footprint
LDS provided market demand analyses for a new client in Louisiana this summer, marking the first time in recent years that LDS has worked in this southern location. The company helped a local market research firm prepare seven LIHTC studies for the Louisiana Housing Finance Authority. The last time LDS worked in Louisiana was in 2007 when the company worked on a New Market Tax Credit Application for a regional banking entity.
LDS is also continuing to grow its service area. The company has been placed on Kentucky Housing Corporation, New Hampshire Housing Finance Agency and Virginia Housing Development Authority's approved list of market study providers.
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Two Part-Time Research Associates Join LDS Team
With research associate Eunic Kim starting Tufts Masters in Urban Planning Program, LDS has sought to grow its resources with the engagement of two additional part-time research associates, Jesse Kanson-Benanav and Theodora Hadjimichael. The new associates will work on market studies, financial feasibility analyses, housing production plans and other projects.
Jesse Kanson-Benanav comes to LDS with a strong background in urban planning, affordable housing policy and community development. He recently received his Master in City Planning Degree from MIT. Prior to graduate school, Jesse worked as a community organizer for affordable housing at a Boston-area community development corporation. He has his B.A. from Oberlin College in Ohio.
Theodora Hadjimichael brings experience in market research to LDS. Her previous work includes research with OKM Associates, AREA Inc. and FinePoint Associates. She received her B.S. from Tufts University in 2008 in Engineering Psychology.
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Consulting Team Chosen for Wayland Land Use Study
A consulting team that includes LDS has been selected to develop a land use plan for a 7.3-acre site on Doran Road in Wayland. The team, which includes Mostue & Associates Architects, Inc., and HWMoore Associates, Inc. will examine the possibility of developing affordable housing and a small sewer treatment plant on the town-owned land.
The work will include a financial feasibility analysis, market study, wastewater disposal analysis, conceptual plans and a draft Request for Proposals. The consulting team will also conduct an extensive public outreach process to ensure input from the community.
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LDS Principal Leads New Housing Subcommittee in Newton
In her volunteer capacity, LDS Principal Lynne D. Sweet is leading a new subcommittee of the Newton Housing Partnership that plans to explore options for streamlining the process of funding affordable housing projects in the city. Formed in August, the subcommittee plans to examine and compare existing mechanisms for funding such housing projects - like the city's inclusionary zoning ordinance - as well as other options used elsewhere in the state. These other options could include a community land trust or affordable housing trust fund.
The people on the subcommittee include partnership members, City Planning staff, a BC Law Clinic Fellow and a Tufts Masters of Urban Planning student. Once the initial research is completed, the group will seek the involvement of additional members. | |
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LDS is taking reservations for the upcoming HUD Notice of Funding Availibility application round, which is due on Nov. 15, 2009.
We are also looking to partner with clients and consultants on new projects.
Sincerely,
Lynne D. Sweet
Managing Member
LDS Consulting Group, LLC 233 Needham Street, Newton, MA |
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