Finding peace in the CDC development process : the lessons of the Siochain Rental Rehabilitation Project

Abstract

This thesis presents an analysis of the Siochain Rental Rehabilitation Project to identify areas of concern for the development procedures of the Neighborhood of Affordable Housing (NOAH), a Community Development Corporation (CDC). Development practices in acquisition, financing, budget, construction, and the use of the CDC development team were evaluated and specific processes within each area identified as contributing to the overall marginal success of the Siochain project. Case studies were then created outlining the development practices of three Boston-area CDCs: the Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Development Corporation, Urban Edge, and Codman Square Neighborhood Development Corporation. Best practices from these CDCs in each of the areas of concern were profiled, leading to a set of recommendations for the improvement of affordable housing development practices at NOAH.