BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's Office of Multifamily Housing Programs has awarded a $3.2 million grant to the East Baton Rouge Council on Aging. This funding under HUD's Section 202 program supports affordable housing for seniors. It can be used for new construction or repairs. It also provides rental assistance. EBRCOA said it is one of 11 organizations nationwide to receive this grant. The grant will fund the building of the Lotus Village at the Lakes. It is a new affordable housing development for seniors on 6.3 acres at 15300 Plank Road in Baker. The project will build 49 energy-efficient cottages for low-income seniors aged 62 and older. They will include single-story and two-story lofts. According to the council, the goal is to create a supportive environment for aging in place. A standout feature is the inclusion of 10 intergenerational units—a first for the region. The project aims for green building certification for sustainability, EBRCOA said. According to a news release, the Lotus Village at the Lakes will have amenities to support seniors' well-being. The property will have a scenic walking trail around a lake and a 12,500-square-foot senior center. The center will feature multipurpose spaces, a fitness room, a computer lab, a food pantry and more. It will be a hub for services and activities for all ages. It will provide nutritional support, transportation, healthcare, education, recreation and social events. Two projects underway to curb crime in Baton Rouge “Addressing housing affordability and accessibility is a commitment the Council on Aging made to the seniors of this parish at the inception of the millage,” EBRCOA CEO Tasha Clark-Amar said. “We have worked aggressively to pursue funding and develop new concepts to address the concern of aging in place. EBRCOA is immensely grateful to be chosen for the HUD grant and excited to push forward with the construction of the Lotus Village at the Lakes in the City of Baker.” Key supporters: State Sen. Pro Tempore Regina Ashford Barro. City of Baker Mayor Darnell Waites. HUD's Office of Multifamily Housing Programs under the Biden-Harris Administration. Latest News East Baton Rouge Council on Aging gets $3.2M grant for new affordable senior housing Security preparations underway for inauguration Louisiana state offices closed on Tuesday due to extreme cold winter weather Gov. Jeff Landry wants people to fly US, MAGA flags on Inauguration Day Live: NFL insiders break down the keys to each Divisional Round game