B'nai B'rith Housing New England (BBH NE) celebrated the opening of its newest mixed-income ownership community, 33Comm, on Friday, May 9, in Newton, Mass. Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.) and Newton Mayor David Cohen joined BBH NE Board of Directors President Marvin Siflinger, B'nai B'rith International Associate Executive Vice President and Center for Senior Services Director Mark D. Olshan, and 33Comm Executive Director Susan Gittelman for a ribbon-cutting ceremony and reception to commemorate the event. Following the success of its three Covenant House properties in Brighton, BBH NE has already sold out the first phase of the project. Located six miles west of Boston, 33Comm was built in response to the region's critical need for affordable high quality housing. The property sits next to Newton Commonwealth Golf Course, across the street from Boston College, and just steps away from the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority.
"The people in attendance, who hadn't seen the building previously, were just so delighted with the design, the quality, and the ambiance, and we're very proud of the feedback we've received from the public," said Siflinger. "It represents a major asset to the community, even with this difficult housing market."
Olshan, who attended the opening on behalf of the executive leadership of B'nai B'rith, was impressed with the level of cooperation for the project. "It's wonderful to see B'nai B'rith in partnership with a variety of agencies and community leaders working toward one shared vision," Olshan said.
The new property features 44 single-level residences, a fitness center, and a parking garage. BBH NE is a nonprofit group dedicated to producing non-sectarian affordable housing throughout greater Boston.
