News  Governor Healey Awards $33.5 Million to Build 214 Homes in Needham and Watertown

Boston — Governor Maura Healey today announced $33.5 million to transform aging public housing developments in Needham and Watertown, replacing 100 existing apartments and creating 114 additional homes. The investments will support the construction of 214 modern, affordable rental homes, helping to preserve critical public housing while expanding housing options for residents and families.

The Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities is awarding $12.5 million to the Needham Housing Authority for the redevelopment of its Linden Street community and $21 million to the Watertown Housing Authority for the redevelopment of Willow Park.

“We need to build more housing in Massachusetts, and that means both creating new homes and protecting the affordable housing we already have,” said Governor Maura Healey. “We're investing $33.5 million to replace aging public housing in Needham and Watertown and build 114 additional homes. These projects will help more people find a home they can afford and stay in the communities they love.”

“Our local housing authorities are doing important work to meet the housing needs of their communities, and we're making sure they have the resources to get it done,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “These investments are a great example of what we can accomplish when the state, municipalities and housing partners work together to replace aging buildings, build more affordable homes and strengthen our neighborhoods.” 

“Preserving public housing is essential to keeping Massachusetts affordable,” said Housing and Livable Communities Secretary Juana Matias. “These projects will replace every public housing apartment being redeveloped while adding family-sized and deeply affordable homes. Through innovative partnerships that bring federal operating support into state-aided public housing, we are helping protect these vital resources for generations to come. HLC is proud to help these communities move from plans to construction.”

The Public Housing Innovation Demonstration Program provides funding to modernize and redevelop state-aided public housing while creating additional affordable homes. The program supports partnerships that leverage federal and local resources, expand housing opportunities and reduce long-term operating costs. Projects are selected based on their ability to preserve existing public housing, create new homes and advance toward construction.

Award recipients

Needham Housing Authority — Linden Street: $12,542,000

The Needham Housing Authority will replace 40 severely distressed, non-accessible studio apartments in 10 one-story buildings with 76 one-bedroom apartments in a new three-story building. The project will create 36 additional affordable homes and is designed to achieve Passive House and Enterprise Green Communities certifications.

Partnering with Needham, the Taunton Housing Authority will deploy federal Restore-Rebuild and Faircloth authority on Needham’s behalf to provide operating support for 41 apartments in the development. The project has received the necessary zoning relief and a special permit from the Needham Planning Board.

Watertown Housing Authority — Willow Park: $21,000,000

The Watertown Housing Authority and POAH will transform the existing 60-apartment Willow Park public housing development into a modern community of 138 affordable rental homes. The project will replace all 60 existing public housing apartments and create 78 additional affordable homes for households earning up to 80% of area median income.

More than 65% of the apartments will have two or three bedrooms, expanding the supply of family-sized housing in a high-opportunity community. Watertown has committed $400,000 from the Watertown Affordable Housing Trust and $6 million in Community Preservation Act funding to support the development.

Both projects have secured zoning approvals and have advanced architectural plans, positioning them to begin construction following the completion of financing and other required approvals.

These investments build on Governor Healey's efforts to increase housing production and lower housing costs across Massachusetts. Governor Healey signed the $5.16 billion Affordable Homes Act, the largest housing bond bill in state history, and has advanced initiatives to create more homes through accessory dwelling unit reforms, the MBTA Communities Law, the Momentum Fund, commercial-to-residential conversions and expanded housing tax credits and subsidies. The administration is also investing in public housing improvements and working with communities to accelerate housing production statewide.