The Burlington Free Press reports that construction of a 43,000-square-foot, three-story building that will be home to affordable housing units for seniors in Essex Center began this January. The project will cost around $5.5 million and should be complete by Christmas 2008. "The building will have 48 housing units, a porch, commercial kitchen, dining room and underground parking garage for the tenants. Of the 48 apartments, 40 will be available to people age 62 and older. These tenants will pay up to 30 percent of their income on rent, and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development will pay the remainder. The remaining eight apartments will be available to people age 55 and older, and their rent will cost below market value." Thus far, about 200 people -- a third of whom live in Essex -- have expressed interest in living in the building."

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