Finally!

Neighbors of Watertown Inc.'s vision of transforming the former Social Security building, 190 Stone St., into transitional living apartments will become reality.

The agency received the signed contract Monday from the state Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance to start pre-construction work.

"We finally appear to be there, ready to get started," said Gary C. Beasley, Neighbors of Watertown executive director. "Thirteen units is a really small number compared to the need, but these things happen a little bit at a time."

A $2.2 million grant from the state's Homeless Housing and Assistance Program will help cover the cost of the building's conversion into 10 transitional living apartments, the acquisition of three apartments at 196 Stone St., demolition costs, landscaping and architect and engineering fees.

Pre-construction contracts will cover costs such as architectural fees, while final construction contracts will allow Neighbors of Watertown to draw funds to build the project, Mr. Beasley said.
He said the agency has waited more than two years to hear the news that the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance contract was finalized. No additional delays are expected, he said, adding that "everyone's finally gotten over their turf issues."

"It's been very frustrating, but it just boiled down to state and federal attorneys that didn't want to give in to each other," he said. "I think we can now move forward."

Mr. Beasley said the project's estimated construction time is one year.

In the meantime, agencies should call him at 782-8497 if they would like to have some of the transitional living units leased to them for their clients.

So far, Credo Community Center for the Treatment of Addictions is the only agency that has signed on; it plans to lease three units, Mr. Beasley said. James P. Scordo, executive director of Credo, said he was looking into units at the 196 Stone St. building.

"It'd be for our clients, for the women, and women and children's programs as folks transition out of the programs," Mr. Scordo said. "There's a number of them who don't have safe, affordable housing, and we thought we'd take that on and contract with Neighbors of Watertown."

Credo would provide case management for the people who move out of their programs to the Stone Street home. Mr. Scordo said the women and children could stay as long as needed.

"We're anxious, and looking forward to that," he said.