CATNHP is a state funded bond program available to municipalities, non-profit and for-profit sponsors to support rental housing production or rehabilitation.
Eligible Activities and Affordability Requirements
CATNHP may be used to finance the development of rental units located either within a neighborhood commercial area, for projects with 25 units or less, or a transit-oriented development located near a public transit node, for projects with greater than 25 units. Not less than 50% of the units in a project receiving CATNHP financial support shall be occupied by and affordable to households at or below 80% of the area median income as determined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
CATNHP may also be used to finance a mixed-use development that includes both residential housing units and commercial or retail space, including projects which have residential units above commercial space. Commercial costs funded with CATNHP funds shall not exceed the lesser of 25% of the total development cost of the commercial portion of the project or $1,000,000.
Funding Limits
The total amount of CATNHP funds requested per eligible project may not exceed $1,000,000 or $50,000 per unit. Each sponsor of a project eligible for CATNHP funds may submit only one request for funding. It is the Department's expectation that acquisition costs, construction costs, "soft" costs, and developers' fees will be reasonable, as defined by and within the standards set forth for other DHCD housing programs.
Funds for assisting commercial area transit node housing projects are limited. Sponsors are strongly encouraged to schedule meetings with DHCD staff to determine whether their projects are in fact eligible for consideration.
Loan Terms
CATNHP assistance will be provided in the form of a 30-year deferred payment loan at 0% interest.
DHCD reserves the right to structure the loan with an interest rate acceptable to DHCD set at the time of closing. All CATNHP loans are non-recourse and secured by a mortgage on the property.
Selection Criteria
- Project location
- Evidence of local support
- Evidence of site control
- Evidence of zoning
- Identification of proposed financing and project feasibility
- Commitment to affordability
- Consistency with principals of sustainable development
- Good standing with DHCD
- Please see the CATNHP Program Guidelines for additional project requirements.
How to Apply
DHCD makes CATNHP funding available through a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA). Applicants must submit an application for funding using the Department’s Mass One Stop+ web-based application
CATNHP Rental Application Guidelines
CATNHP Rental Terms and Conditions
Mass Historic Project Notification Form
Rent Policies for DHCD-Assisted Rental Projects
MA Fair Housing Marketing and Resident Selection Plan Guidelines
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