The Boston Housing Authority has announced plans to upgrade several of its largest (and oldest) housing projects.

As part of the first phase of upgrades, 14 developments &8212; including Bunker Hill, Bromley-Heath, Franklin Field in Dorchester and Lenox in the South End &8212; would receive between $45 million and $50 million worth of upgrades to energy and water systems, such as low-flow toilets, weather-stripping, heating and electrical controls, and lighting.

Bunker Hill in Charlestown is to get new roofs, unit doors, and a security system. Mary Ellen McCormack is slated for brickwork repairs, new unit doors, and new exterior stoops and entryways and Old Colony is to get new unit doors and upgraded security.

The history of public housing in Boston is fascinating (and, at times, depressing). There is a fairly good book about it:

From the Puritans to the Projects: Public Housing and Public Neighbors

It covers a lot of ground quickly. A good primer. The book is a little skimpy in parts, however. I suggest finding a copy at your local library, actually.

Public housing in Boston is undergoing great change, these days. Many of the developments are being renovated and/or torn down and replaced with townhouse-style housing. A good portion of the current residents remain in the new buildings, while others are placed into apartments throughout the city, through the Section 8 rental assistance program.

Source: BHA to launch a broad upgrade of public housing - By Donovan Slack, The Boston Globe