Two Vermont-based housing developers on May 21 broke ground on Maplewood Commons, a new 30-unit affordable housing development in Rutland City. Located on a long-vacant industrial site near downtown, the project represents a significant step toward addressing the city’s ongoing housing shortage. The three-story, energy-efficient building is a collaboration between Cornerstone Housing Partners and Evernorth.
Maplewood Commons to Serve Diverse Housing Needs
The Maplewood Commons development is designed to be permanently affordable and will include a mix of housing options to meet varying needs. Six of the units will be reserved for individuals facing housing instability, while three will be fully accessible for those with disabilities. In addition to housing, the development will feature green spaces, a patio, a children’s play area, and a community room, offering residents both comfort and a sense of community.
Mayor’s Long-Term Housing Vision in Motion
Rutland City Mayor Mike Doenges has set a goal of adding 1,000 new housing units in the city by 2028. Maplewood Commons contributes to this vision by adding 30 units, part of the 220 housing units already approved and moving forward. The project is considered a key milestone in the mayor’s broader effort to improve housing access in Rutland.
Streamlined Approval Through Strategic Location
According to Mary Cohen, executive director of Cornerstone Housing Partners, the development was able to advance more quickly because it was sited within a “neighbourhood designated area.” This designation allowed the project to bypass certain regulatory requirements under Vermont’s Act 250 land use law, which often poses time-consuming hurdles for new developments. The Rutland City Mayor’s Office supported the move to expedite the construction timeline.
Financing from Multiple Sources Powers Project
The total cost of the Maplewood Commons project stands at $14.6 million. Funding was pieced together from various sources, with the largest portion of $6.6 million coming from Low Income Housing Tax Credit equity provided through Evernorth and administered by the Vermont Housing Finance Agency. Another $5.6 million came from federal funding allocated through the American Rescue Plan Act State Fiscal Recovery Fund and the National Housing Trust Fund, administered by the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board. A combination of state and private resources provided the remaining funding.
Prioritizing Those Most at Risk
In addition to affordable rents, the project will provide deeper support for those in greatest need. Through a partnership with the Rutland Housing Authority, ten of the units will be paired with housing vouchers targeted at individuals who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. Vermont Housing Finance Agency Executive Director Maura Collins noted that this element of the project ensures it will have a meaningful impact on some of the community’s most vulnerable residents.
Federal Budget Cuts Threaten Future Projects
While the groundbreaking ceremony was cause for celebration, Evernorth President Nancy Owens warned that similar projects could be at risk in the near future. She pointed to uncertainty surrounding federal housing programs, particularly those funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. According to recent reports, HUD has seen staffing cuts and funding freezes, including the withholding of $60 million in contracts for affordable housing and community development.
Congressional Efforts Offer Some Optimism
Amid the concerns about shrinking federal support, Collins shared a glimmer of hope from Washington. Advocacy by Vermont’s congressional delegation has led to the potential expansion of low-income housing tax credits, which are currently included in the latest version of the federal budget reconciliation bill. These tax credits are the primary funding tool for affordable rental housing, and an increase could significantly boost future housing efforts in the state.
A Fragile Funding Landscape
The Maplewood Commons project showcases what is possible when local leadership, nonprofit developers, and multiple levels of government align around a shared goal. However, the financial model that made the project viable is becoming more difficult to replicate. With American Rescue Plan funds drying up and federal budget cuts looming, developers and state agencies face an increasingly uncertain funding environment. As Collins explained, Vermont’s ability to continue building affordable housing depends on securing new sources of support to replace those that are fading. Despite the challenges ahead, the launch of Maplewood Commons is a notable achievement for Rutland City.
