Up to the Minute Market Studies for April Funding Round
LDS completed more than a dozen market studies for the DHCD's April 2011 funding round. A handful of the market studies were new; most were updates from prior funding rounds. LDS returned to project sites and performed new research in order to refresh competitive data and keep up to speed on local trends for clients requiring study updates. The studies were for small and large developments in communities across the Commonwealth, from Hyannis to Dorchester. LDS's studies are for new construction and substantial rehabilitation, senior and multifamily projects, and affordable and mixed-income housing developments.
LDS also helped Combined Jewish Philanthropies with narratives for their One Stop application for four units of affordable housing for very low-income and extremely low-income people with chronic psychiatric conditions and those at risk of homelessness in Brookline. |
Work In Progress for New Clients In And Out of State
Municipal Services As a technical consultant for the Massachusetts Downtown Initiative Program, LDS is project manager for a team that has started studying the reuse of the Fibermark Building in downtown South Hadley. The work will include supply and demand research for affordable housing relative to the site as well as the examination of two alternative uses for the building, including senior housing or a mix of community space and housing. LDS looks forward to working with the Town of South Hadley as it embarks on a major redevelopment project that promises to reorient and revitalize the downtown area.
Belmont Apartment Study LDS completed a market study for a funding application for new client O'Neill Properties for Belmont Uplands, a 299 unit permitted mixed income development just off route 2 in Belmont on the Cambridge border. Consultant Bob Engler of SAB Associates helped obtain the comprehensive permit and is preparing the funding application
Expanding the LDS footprint to the West Coast
LDS welcomes new client QVT Mount Auburn Capital of California. LDS is helping the Los Angles-based real estate investment firm to analyze an investment to acquire two assisted living facilities in California. LDS is performing mini market studies, reviewing financial projections and educating the client about assisted living ownership and management. |
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New Developments Seeing Healthy Absorption
With a large number of tax credit developments in lease-up in recent months, LDS has obtained in-depth lease-up information during the course of research. In conversation with property managers across the state, LDS has consistently learned of robust absorption rates. Lease-up numbers at mixed-income multifamily developments range from nine units per month to more than 35 units per month. |
Principal Lynne Sweet was recently quoted in an article in the Boston Globe, as LDS continues to help the Town of Hingham Affordable Housing Trust work toward a comprehensive permit for their proposed affordable housing project.
LDS has been tracking the Census Bureau as Census 2010 data is released. Although the 2010 data has been limited to national redistricting data and state totals so far, LDS eagerly anticipates new numbers in the coming months. Congratulations Eunice Kim, and welcome back. Eunice has completed her two-year Masters in Urban and Environmental Policy and Planning program at Tufts University and will be working part time for LDS. She has delved in to help Lynne conduct an affordable housing study for the Town of Georgetown Affordable Housing Trust. |
As always, LDS is looking to partner with clients and consultants on new projects.
Please feel free to contact us at info@ldsconsultinggroup.com or 617-454-1144.
Enjoy all that spring in New England has to offer.
Sincerely,
Lynne D. Sweet
Managing Member
LDS Consulting Group, LLC 233 Needham Street, Newton, MA |
