Press Release  Governor Healey Announces Major Statewide Plan to Build Over 2,500 New Homes

WORCESTER — Governor Maura Healey today continued her work to build more homes and lower housing costs in the state by announcing $278 million in state and federal financing and tax credits for housing development. These homes will be built in 20 communities across Massachusetts.

These awards were made possible in part through the Affordable Homes Act and by Governor Healey’s tax cuts package, which significantly increased state support for housing production. Today’s awards are the largest single round of awards made from this housing program in in more than a decade. Since taking office, the Healey-Driscoll Administration has created or preserved more than 10,000 homes through this program alone.

Governor Healey, Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, Housing and Livable Communities Secretary Juana Matias and other administration officials are traveling across Massachusetts on Thursday to highlight the projects and the communities making them possible, with stops in Worcester, Erving, Northampton, Newburyport, Needham and Boston. 

“We’re on a mission to build more homes and lower housing costs in every part of Massachusetts, and today we’re hitting the road to show that work in action,” said Governor Maura Healey. “These awards will create more than 2,500 new homes in 20 communities across the state, and it’s made possible by the Affordable Homes Act that I proposed and signed. This is about making sure that Massachusetts is a state where teachers, nurses, firefighters and young people can actually afford to live.” 

“Communities of every size are stepping up with smart, creative plans to build the homes their residents need,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “These awards will turn underused properties into housing, modernize housing and preserve homes that residents already depend on. That means stronger neighborhoods, more vibrant local economies and more opportunities for people to stay and build their future in Massachusetts.”

“Housing needs look different across the Commonwealth, and this funding round responds with a wide range of solutions,” said Housing and Livable Communities Secretary Juana Matias. “These investments will deliver more than 2,500 new homes, while preserving existing communities and expanding opportunity for families, seniors, veterans and others.”

The awards include $154.7 million in subsidy financing from the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, $61.8 million in state low-income housing tax credits, $47.9 million in 4 percent federal low-income housing tax credits and $13.2 million in 9 percent federal low-income housing tax credits. The state and federal tax credit awards are expected to generate nearly $500 million in equity for the developments.

Awarded developments include:

Athol

• Pequoig House: Preservation of 53 affordable homes for seniors. All homes will be supported by existing federal project-based vouchers.

Boston

• Fox Hall Senior: Construction of 65 homes for seniors in South Boston, with supportive services available to residents.
• 80 Shawsheen Road: Construction of 35 family homes in East Boston.
• 1198 Centre: Construction of 78 homes for seniors in Roslindale.
• Orchard Gardens: Preservation of 331 mixed-income homes near Nubian Square.
• 145-157 St. Alphonsus Street: Rehabilitation of seven homes in Mission Hill.
• 150 Centre Street: Construction of 72 family homes next to the MBTA’s Shawmut Station. The development will incorporate Passive House standards to support energy efficiency and climate resilience.

Brockton

• Chatham West I: Preservation and rehabilitation of 300 homes.
• Liberty on Legion: Construction of 54 family homes on an underused downtown property. The mixed-use development will also include retail space and a housing solutions center.

Brookline

• 10 Walnut Street: Redevelopment of public housing to provide 96 new family homes, including for veterans. 

Cambridge

• Redevelopment of Corcoran Park, Phase 1: Construction of 67 family homes in the first phase of a multiphase public housing redevelopment.
• 28-30 Wendell: Construction of 95 intergenerational homes in Cambridge’s MBTA Communities district.

Chelmsford

• The Residences at Bigelow Hall: Construction of 50 homes for seniors.

Chicopee

• Chicopee Village: Preservation and rehabilitation of 290 family homes following a sale process conducted under Chapter 40T. 

Erving

• Evergreen Circle: Construction of 26 ntergenerational homes. Evergreen Circle will be the first newly constructed tax credit development in Erving.

Fitchburg

• 470 Main Street: Rehabilitation of 31 existing homes and construction of seven new homes in downtown Fitchburg.

Ipswich

• Depot Lane: Construction of 5 intergenerational homes, with supportive services available to residents.

Lexington

• LexHAB ADU: Construction of eight accessory dwelling units under provisions included in the Affordable Homes Act.
• Lexington Woods: Construction of 40 family homes.

Lynn

• High Street Development: Construction of 107 family homes.

Needham

• Linden Terrace Phase One A: Redevelopment of public housing to provide 76 homes.

Newburyport

• Brown School Senior Housing: Adaptive reuse of the former Brown School to provide 29 homes for seniors.

Newton

• 793 Washington: Construction of 58 family homes.

Northampton

• 27 Crafts Avenue: Construction of 30 studio homes serving individuals with significant housing needs.
• Meadowbrook Apartments Phase 1: Preservation and rehabilitation of 120 family homes, including substantial energy-efficiency improvements.

Springfield

• New Court Rainville: Preservation and rehabilitation of 88 family homes.

Swampscott

• Veterans Crossing: Construction of 41 homes serving residents age 55 and older.

Watertown

• Willow Park Redevelopment: Redevelopment of public housing to provide 138 homes.

Worcester

• Lakeside Phase 3: Construction of 103 homes in the next phase of the Worcester Housing Authority’s Lakeside redevelopment.

Governor Healey created the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities in 2023 to create more homes and lower housing costs for Massachusetts residents. Since taking office, she has signed the Affordable Homes Act, made statewide accessory dwelling unit reforms legal statewide, implemented MBTA Communities zoning, designated Seasonal Communities, launched the first-int-he-nation Momentum Fund and Commercial Conversion Tax Credit and expanded Housing Development Incentive Program awards to support new housing production across Massachusetts. 

Statements of Support:

Worcester City Manager Eric D. Batista

“The federal and state low-income tax credits and subsidy funds provided by the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities for Worcester’s Lakeside Apartments – Phase 3 project are critical to its success.The redevelopment is part of the long-term transformation of the aging Lakeside public housing community that will offer hundreds of affordable rental and homeownership opportunities for residents. This is exactly the kind of project we need to be developing in our city and I thank our state partners for their commitment to increasing our affordable housing supply.”

Newburyport Mayor Sean Reardon

“Newburyport is proud to welcome Lieutenant Governor Driscoll and the Healey-Driscoll Administration to the Brown School as they announce another significant investment in affordable housing across Massachusetts. The transformation of the Brown School into 29 affordable units for seniors is exactly the kind of project we need, allowing longtime residents to remain in the community they helped build while giving an important public building new life. I am grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration for recognizing the urgent need for more housing and for continuing to be a strong partner to Newburyport and communities across the Commonwealth.”

Northampton Mayor Gina-Louise Sciarra:

“Northampton needs more housing, at every level of affordability, and we need it now. Governor Healey and I agree that Massachusetts needs to build more housing, preserve the affordable housing we have, and move with urgency to do both. Today’s investment by the state in Northampton will preserve and rehabilitate 120 affordable family homes at Meadowbrook and help bring to life a project at 27 Crafts Avenue that I am particularly proud of. Northampton took an underused portion of a city-owned parcel in the heart of downtown and worked with Valley CDC to create 30 highly energy-efficient affordable homes, including 20 for people with extremely low incomes and a preference for people experiencing homelessness. We are also moving affordable housing forward at Cooke Avenue and at 33 King Street, where the Commonwealth transferred the former state courthouse property to Northampton and gave us another opportunity to turn public land into much-needed housing. I’m grateful to Governor Healey and Secretary Matias for being my partners in getting these much-needed Northampton homes built.”

Athol Town Manager Shaun A. Suhoski

"Since 1895 the Pequoig building has stood sentinel as a landmark structure in Athol's central business district. First operated as a hotel into the mid-20th century, the building was renovated into affordable, senior housing in 1982. Today, the property owners will utilize these funds to make needed improvements to the historic building while ensuring the retention of 53-units of needed affordable housing for decades to come.  The Town appreciates the Healey-Driscoll administration's emphasis on supporting quality housing options affordable to a range of income."

Cambridge City Manager Yi-An Huang

“We’re thrilled that new affordable housing projects in Cambridge have been awarded HLC funding. This recognition reflects the exceptional work of our affordable housing partners and affirms the effectiveness of the City’s policies and strategies. With this vital funding from the HLC, we expect construction on these projects to begin next year and look forward to delivering 162 new affordable homes for Cambridge families. In Cambridge, affordable housing has long been a top priority. We have made tremendous progress through innovative zoning reform and significant funding commitments, but none of it would be possible without crucial funding support from the Commonwealth.”

Ipswich Town Manager Brendan Sweeney

“Ipswich is grateful for this award, which helps bring 52 new, 100% affordable homes to downtown Ipswich in partnership with Harborlight Homes. This investment strengthens our downtown, expands housing options for residents, and reflects our community’s commitment to sustainable, transit‑oriented growth.”

Needham Town Manager Katie King:

“This award marks an important milestone in the Needham Housing Authority’s redevelopment of Linden Terrace, which will nearly double the number of affordable homes while replacing aging buildings with high-quality, energy-efficient housing. The Town of Needham is proud to have committed more than $6.8 million in Community Preservation Act funding to this effort and is grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration for their investment and partnership in making this project possible.”

Senator Julian Cyr:

“These awards represent meaningful investments in creating and preserving affordable homes in Massachusetts, something our residents so urgently need. Massachusetts has long fallen behind in housing production, leading to the sky-high costs renters and prospective home buyers see today. With the leadership of the Healey-Driscoll Administration, we are making real progress on our housing crisis. Innovative policies that help unlock development, measures that make building more affordable, and significant investments like the Winter Rental Round grants are expanding housing opportunities for people across every corner of the Commonwealth.”

Representative Richard Haggerty (D-30th Middlesex District), who serves as the House Chair of the Joint Committee on Housing

"I want to express my support to the Healey-Driscoll administration for providing much-needed, critical funding for housing all across the Commonwealth through this year's Winter Rental Round funding. "With high development costs, financial strains and high interest rates slowing our housing production, this funding is crucial to making sure we build the affordable housing we need for our lower-wage families, homeless and our seniors, all across the Commonwealth."

Andrew McKenzie-DeFranza, Executive Director, Harborlight Homes

“Harborlight Homes is grateful for the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s continued leadership in addressing the Commonwealth’s housing crisis. The funding awarded to our Depot Square development in Ipswich will help create much-needed safe, stable, affordable housing near public transit, meeting a local need and providing residents with greater access to opportunity. We are honored to partner with EOHLC in advancing housing solutions that make our state and North Shore region more affordable and equitable for all.”

David J. Hedison, Executive Director, CHOICE Housing

“For more than two decades, we have envisioned creating senior housing with supportive services at this site, and for the past six years, we have worked with particular focus to make that vision a reality. This EOHLC funding award marks an extraordinary moment for our organization and the Chelmsford community. Welcoming 50 seniors to the Residences at Bigelow Hall—and providing them with the support they need to live independently and age in place—will truly be a dream come true.”

Adam B. Scott, President and CEO of Hebrew SeniorLife

“For more than 60 years, Hebrew SeniorLife has called Roslindale home, and this award will allow us to build 78 affordable, service-enriched apartments where older adults can age with dignity in the city they know and love. We are grateful to Governor Healey, Lieutenant Governor Driscoll, and the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities for this investment, and to the City of Boston for its partnership and support. Together, we are meeting the urgent need for affordable senior housing.”

Monica Dean, CEO, Madison Park Development Corporation

“Madison Park Development Corporation has spent six decades strengthening neighborhoods, expanding opportunity, and preserving affordable housing in Roxbury. Through the Orchard Gardens Deep Energy Retrofit and Renovation, 331 households will benefit from long-needed improvements to their homes while making the community more sustainable for the future. Together with Trinity Financial, the Boston Housing Authority, and the Healey-Driscoll Administration, we are proud to invest in Orchard Gardens in a way that protects affordability, supports housing stability, and helps families and longtime residents continue to thrive in the community they call home.”

Aaron Gornstein, President and CEO, Preservation of Affordable Housing (POAH)

“POAH is grateful for the Governor’s leadership on affordable housing and for helping us to advance both the production of new affordable homes and the preservation and revitalization of existing affordable housing.  Our current residents in Northampton and future residents in Watertown will greatly benefit from this critical state funding.”

Dara Kovel, CEO, Beacon Communities

“We are honored to be included in this amazing group of awardees and grateful for the leadership of Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, and the entire Healey Administration. Massachusetts continues to set the standard for states across the country through its sustained commitment to creating and preserving affordable housing. This latest investment reflects the type of bold leadership and vision needed to address the housing affordability crisis and ensure that more residents have access to safe, stable, and affordable places to live.”

Kenzie Bok, Administrator and CEO, Boston Housing Authority

“At the Boston Housing Authority, we know that when we invest in public and affordable housing, we are investing in our residents, their families, and their futures. Residents of Orchard Gardens advocated for improvements to their community and helped set the bar for housing redevelopment several decades ago. Thank you to our state partners for making this renewed investment to preserve 331 affordable homes at Orchard Gardens and continuing to champion affordable and public housing.”

Tanya Hahnel, Co-Executive Director, East Boston CDC

“This funding unlocks the redevelopment of a site owned by the East Boston CDC since December of 2022.  With the help of federal and state low income housing tax credits and state affordable housing subsidies, East Boston will see 35 new apartments for low income families build on a formerly industrial site.  This project represents a true commitment to sustainable development.  The new apartments are one block from an MBTA train station, and the site design allows for new open space to serve the surrounding neighborhood thanks to a denser, more compact building footprint.  It is exactly the type of catalytic project that East Boston needs to help stabilize families who just need stable, affordable rents to help them remain in their neighborhood.”

Ben Stone, Executive Director, Brookline Housing Authority

“Brookline Housing Authority is ecstatic that the EOHLC and the Governor have awarded funding for our 10 Walnut Street project, which will create 96 deeply affordable and energy efficient apartments for families in a high-opportunity, transit-oriented area. We’re grateful for the support from the state, the Town of Brookline, our design team, and, especially, to BHA residents who all helped to get us to this point.”

Zeina Talje, Managing Partner, Zeta Insite

“We're honored to work on the adaptive reuse of a historic landmark like the George W. Brown School into senior affordable housing, giving residents who have been priced out a place to call home in the community they love. What sets this project apart is how deep sustainability and affordability are woven together, allowing us to include all utilities and shield seniors from escalating energy costs. Preservation projects like the  Brown School are only possible through strong partnerships, and we're grateful for the support of the Healey-Driscoll Administration, the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, and the City of Newburyport. We are thrilled to bring this project to reality."

Timothy Johnstone, Interim Executive Director, NewVue Communities

 "We are very grateful to Governor Healey for directing this funding to help address the issue of affordable housing in Massachusetts. Addressing the housing crisis can feel like an uphill battle, but it is made easier by the financial support of the Governor’s Office, The Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities and the City of Fitchburg. This specific housing expansion at our 470 Main Street location will provide beautiful living options for those that want to be downtown and take advantage of all the new restaurants, businesses and arts and culture activities that are now very much a part of Fitchburg. NewVue is proud to be a recipient of this award."

Sara E. Barcan, Executive Director, Homeowner’s Rehab, Inc.

“HRI is thrilled to accept this award of LIHTC and other resources to build 95 affordable rental homes in the Baldwin neighborhood of Cambridge. With the continued scarcity of affordable housing in Cambridge and throughout the region, we look forward to completion of 55 homes for families and 40 for older adults, plus a hub for supportive services. Thank you to the Healey-Driscoll Administration for your continued support for housing and community development.”

Clara Fraden, Chief Executive Officer, Cambridge Housing Authority

“Cambridge’s Corcoran Park is obsolete Federal public housing being replaced with twice the number of modern, sustainable homes for families. Cambridge Housing Authority is grateful for their longstanding partnership with EOHLC and their deep commitment to developing affordable housing. These transformative projects would not be possible without them.”

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