News  Healey-Driscoll Administration Advances More Than $45 Million to Modernize and Improve Public Housing

Boston — In April, the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities approved more than $45 million in capital construction projects at 17 public housing authorities to modernize, repair and improve public housing throughout the Commonwealth. The 19 projects represent a variety of capital improvement projects that were previously awarded and are now moving forward with roof repairs, fire alarm updates, accessibility upgrades and comprehensive modernization.

Following decades of underfunding, the Healey-Driscoll Administration has increased funding to update and modernize the state’s public housing system, which includes more than 43,000 units of state-supported public housing. Governor Maura Healey signed the $5 billion Affordable Homes Act in 2024, which included $2 billion in authorizations to make capital improvements to state-aided public housing, including $150 million dedicated to the decarbonization of public housing and $15 million for accessibility upgrades.

The administration budgeted $157 million in fiscal 2025 for capital improvements to public housing, a 29% increase over the previous fiscal year. April’s awards are just the latest round of approved capital construction contracts. The administration announced $4 million in awards in March.

“Public housing is a vital part of our housing ecosystem here in Massachusetts, providing affordable homes to tens of thousands of Massachusetts individuals and families,” said Secretary of Housing and Livable Communities Ed Augustus. “The Healey-Driscoll Administration continues to prioritize making needed improvements and investing in our public housing communities so that our residents can live in pride and dignity.” 

Among the approved contracts include work at the Chelmsford Housing Authority for comprehensive modernization. Work began May 1 made possible through more than $13 million of a competitively awarded grant. The project will produce a totally renovated building for the residents, complete with significant energy efficiency upgrades. Upgrades include replacing windows that are original to the building with double hung windows that they are compatible with air condition units, additional heat sensors to connect to the fire alarm system, replacing older carpets with vinyl plank flooring and complete kitchen and bath renovations. Renovations will also include many accessibility upgrades including replacing older style tubs with accessible walk-in showers, making previously modified units fully accessible, community room accessibility upgrades and improvements to walkways, ramps and railings to improve accessibility. 

“The Chelmsford Housing Authority is truly thankful for the governor’s and secretary’s support for the modernization of McFarlin Manor,” said Chelmsford Housing Authority Executive Director David Hedison. “With this funding, the 667 state aided housing for seniors and disabled individuals will be completely updated. All new electrical, plumbing, kitchens and baths accompanied by new windows, high efficiency HCAC and hot water systems are included in this project. The Lean Multifamily Energy Program has provided an additional $3 million of support for this project allowing it to be completely free from fossil fuels. We anticipate moving 50 residents back into the development over the next 12 months.”

Brookline Housing Authority was previously awarded nearly $14 million for renovations in addition to $3.6 million for electrical work and work began April 23. The $14 million comes from a High Leverage Asset Preservation Program grant that includes $6 million in American Rescue Plan funds from the town of Brookline. Renovations will include replacing outdated metal windows with energy efficient windows and major work to stairways and hallways, including de-leading, refinishing and painting all walls and ceilings, replacing stair treads and flooring materials and replacing entry doors that were original to the building. Work also includes a complete renovation of the hallways, including making them more accessible.  

“These state capital awards modernize developments built in 1950 for 300 families,” said Brookline Housing Authority Executive Director Ben Stone. “Nearly $12 million of state funds matching $6 million of ARPA funds provided by the town of Brookline will improve lives for our residents by electrifying stoves and modernizing dilapidated windows, stairwells, and entry doors. This state support is critical to preserving this desperately-needed affordable housing in Brookline.” 

And Stoughton Housing Authority began work on April 22 through a previously awarded $1.2 million Creative Placemaking program. This program funds improvements to sites, pathways, building exteriors and interior and exterior common spaces in family and senior developments. Stoughton Public Housing is using the funds to renovate its community center, including an updated kitchen with new appliances, including an accessible range and oven, a resident services office, ADA compliant restrooms, an outdoor pavilion, new meeting space, energy-efficient windows, updated flooring and new outdoor features, including a putting green and bocce court. 

“The Stoughton Housing Authority is excited to renovate the Community Building at LaCivita Court,” said Stoughton Housing Authority Executive Director Colleen Doherty. “The center is a social hub for our older/disabled residents to gather and participate in vital programs. The center activities will focus on health and wellness and promote independence through community connectedness. We appreciate working alongside EOHLC to enhance the lives of our residents.”

The full list of approved capital construction contracts for April:

• Amesbury Housing Authority: $1,050,000 for fire alarm systems upgrades
• Andover Housing Authority: $68,500 for emergency footing repairs
• Brookline Housing Authority: $3,663,197 for electrical upgrades
• Brookline Housing Authority: $11,800,000 for building envelope
• Chelmsford Housing Authority: $13,162,518 for comprehensive modernization
• Dudley Housing Authority: $109,000 for bathroom accessibility upgrades
• Easthampton Housing Authority: $311,150 for maintenance garage-modular
• Fall River Housing Authority: $115,645 to replace failing gas lines
• Halifax Housing Authority: $59,700 for exterior door and intercoms/keyless entry
• Haverhill Housing Authority: $693,000 for master meter and electrification of stoves
• Leicester Housing Authority: $380,300 for updates to the laundry room
• Milford Housing Authority: $133,750 for roof replacement
• Natick Housing Authority: $1,175,000 for fire alarm system upgrade
• Natick Housing Authority: $104,000 for entry stoop repairs and replacement
• Stoughton Housing Authority: $1,185,140 for a community center renovation
• Watertown Housing Authority: $724,103 for electrical panel replacement and fire alarm system
• Weymouth Housing Authority: $577,777 for roof replacement
• Winthrop Housing Authority: $565,700 for exterior painting and storm door replacement
• Yarmouth Housing Authority: $787,700 for fire alarm and electrical panel replacement

Statements of support

Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland): 

“Expanding and improving our housing stock is one of the most urgent challenges facing Massachusetts. These investments will help modernize public housing, lower long-term costs, and ensure our communities remain vibrant and affordable for residents of all ages. I’m especially proud to see the critical upgrades moving forward in Natick, where improvements to fire safety and building accessibility will make a real difference for families and seniors. Projects like these are exactly why the Legislature prioritized housing in the Affordable Homes Act, and I’m grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration for advancing this work.”

House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy): 

“It’s no secret that a lack of affordable housing is one of the most significant challenges that the Commonwealth is currently facing, a challenge that has led former residents to move to other states, damaging our competitiveness in the process. That’s why I’m incredibly proud of the investments that we in state government have made in recent years that will increase housing production and repair dilapidated housing, funding that will help to meet this critical issue head on. I want to thank Governor Healey, my colleagues in the House, and our partners in the Senate for their continued focus on ensuring that every Massachusetts resident can afford to live here and raise a family here.”

Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means:

“I’m thrilled the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities is moving forward on capital construction projects for local housing authorities in Massachusetts. Many housing authority facilities are in dire need of modernization and accessibility upgrades. The $115,645 allocation that the Fall River Housing Authority will receive in my district will allow for removal and replacement of outdated gas lines, a serious public safety concern. Public housing helps those that need it most, and I’m excited to see this and other projects across the Commonwealth now begin construction.”

Representative Tommy Vitolo (D-Brookline):

“The funding provided to the Brookline Housing Authority will help modernize our public housing stock, improve comfort for our residents, reduce climate emissions, and lower BHA operating costs. I applaud the Healey-Driscoll Administration for their commitment to making these much-needed improvements in the state’s public housing system.”

Representative Simon Cataldo (D-Concord): 

“I am grateful to the administration and the legislature for their steadfast commitment to investing in the modernization of our state-funded public housing. This continued support is vital to preserving safe, dignified, and efficient homes for residents across the Commonwealth—including right here in Chelmsford.”

Senator Bill Driscoll Jr. (D-Milton): 

“I'm pleased to see more than a million state dollars being invested in Stoughton. The vision of many in town has been to create a modern community center — and that project is a giant leap closer to becoming a reality thanks to this funding.”

Representative Bill Galvin (D-Canton):

“Improving and expanding public housing options is essential. I am pleased the Stoughton Housing Authority is one of the recipients of these awards and am grateful Stoughton residents will benefit from this program.”

Representative Dawne Shand (D-Newburyport):

“I want to thank Governor Healey and Secretary Augustus for continuing to support and prioritize housing needs in the Commonwealth. So many residents rely on the Amesbury Housing Authority. This generous grant makes their lives safer and our community stronger.”

Representative Carole Fiola (D-Fall River):

“Thank you to EOHLC for this important investment in our community. So many of our residents call the Fall River Housing Authority home. This brings a higher quality of life to so many people and continues to show our investment in local housing authorities.”

Representative Steve Ouellette (D-Westport): 

“It's great to see investment in Fall River's housing resident's safety. It is imperative to inspect, repair, and replace gas lines to avoid issues that could arise. These funds will be put to good use.” 

Senator Pavel Payano (D-Lawrence): 

“Public housing improvements in Haverhill help protect tenants’ health, lower utility costs, and extend the life of our housing stock. This program is crucial for creating more stable and equitable communities.” 

Representative Andy X. Vargas (D-Haverhill): 

“This is critical funding for the Haverhill Housing Authority and the residents served. A key part of our housing strategy must include safe and dignified public housing. These funds will do just that for our community.”

Senator Becca Rausch (D-Needham):

“Last year, the legislature passed and Governor Healey signed the Affordable Homes Act to tackle our Commonwealth’s housing crisis head-on. These 19 projects demonstrate real progress. They will modernize our public housing to be safer, greener, more accessible, and more comfortable, improving residents’ lives. I thank Governor Healey, Lieutenant Governor Driscoll, Secretary Augustus, and municipal leaders in Milford and beyond for your diligent and collaborative work advancing these construction contracts. It is hard to overstate the importance of a roof overhead.” 

Representative David Linsky (D-Natick):

“As cost of living rises, it is of the utmost importance to ensure that Commonwealth residents have access to affordable, high-quality housing. The Healey-Driscoll Administration’s commitment to the state’s public housing system through increased investments marks significant progress towards modernized, affordable housing for all. I am very pleased to see Natick Housing Authority receive funding for fire alarm system upgrades and entry stoop repairs and replacements; Improvements to current infrastructure are crucial to ensure that our current housing options meet and exceed standards of living for all. Thank you to the Healey-Driscoll Administration for prioritizing public housing improvements this fiscal year.”

Senator Patrick O’Connor (R-Weymouth):

“The grant that Weymouth Housing Authority has received for roof repair, alongside the grants that other municipalities in the Commonwealth have received, are vital in ensuring that the State is investing back in its residents. The modernization of public housing will keep communities improving, enhance development, and provide opportunities for those who live there. Our office has long worked closely with Weymouth Housing, and I look forward to seeing the results that come from this grant in terms of the betterment of our Town and the safety, security, and well-being of the individuals and families who utilize this important resource.”

Representative David LeBouef (D-Worcester):

“The Commonwealth’s investment in the Leicester Housing Authority is a commitment to improving the quality of life for our seniors in town. This is a great effort to make sure all of our residents can age with dignity and respect.” 

Representative Homar Gomez (D-Easthampton):

"The recent investment of $311,150 into the Easthampton Housing Authority underscores the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s commitment to revitalizing public housing in the Second Hampshire District. This vital funding will not only modernize essential facilities but will also foster a community where residents can proudly call home. Together, we are building a foundation for a brighter, more equitable future for all in Easthampton."
 

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