The Healey-Driscoll administration has announced a substantial $158 million investment supporting 14 affordable housing initiatives across Massachusetts. Through a combination of subsidies and low-income housing tax credits, this funding will enable the development and preservation of 1,138 affordable residential units, benefiting both seniors and families throughout the state.
This initiative follows the groundbreaking $1 billion tax relief legislation endorsed by Governor Maura Healey in 2023, which enhanced the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) to $60 million per year—representing a $20 million boost designed to accelerate affordable housing development.
“Massachusetts residents face significant challenges due to high housing costs. Our administration is taking decisive action rather than delaying solutions. We must boost housing development statewide to reduce costs – and these affordable housing grants are a crucial step forward,” stated Governor Maura Healey. “Our tax reduction package enables us to distribute unprecedented funding levels, which will support the creation of more than 1,000 affordable residences for families and seniors across our state.”
During a visit to Plymouth’s Redbrook community, Governor Healey and Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, joined by Housing and Livable Communities Secretary Ed Augustus, witnessed firsthand the impact of these initiatives. The Grantham Group’s Cranberry Commons project, which received substantial funding, will provide 62 affordable units for senior residents.
“Each dollar we provide to developers and communities directly results in new, affordable homes for our state’s residents,” remarked Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Visiting Plymouth today showcases how communities are embracing the tremendous advantages of new housing development, creating excellent living spaces for hundreds of seniors. We’re looking forward to seeing these grants facilitate groundbreaking at Cranberry Commons and housing developments statewide.”
The selected projects encompass diverse housing solutions, from senior living facilities to deep energy retrofit initiatives and historic building adaptations. Significantly, 95 percent of the units will be designated as affordable for seniors or families earning below 60 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI). Furthermore, a minimum of 327 units will be designated as deeply affordable, with restrictions for households earning less than 30 percent of AMI.
Ed Augustus, Secretary of Housing and Livable Communities, emphasized the administration’s dual commitment to expanding affordable housing while preserving Massachusetts’ historical heritage. “The Healey-Driscoll Administration is dedicated to both increasing affordable housing availability across the Commonwealth and safeguarding our architectural legacy through thoughtful restoration and adaptation of historic structures for residential use,” Augustus stated. “These 14 newly funded projects mark a significant milestone in our mission to reduce housing expenses and build resilient communities for future generations.”
The awarded developments span multiple municipalities, including Boston, Brockton, Cambridge, Hamilton, Hyannis, Lawrence, New Bedford, Salem, Springfield, Wayland, and Worcester. These strategic locations were chosen to address critical housing needs, with a particular focus on providing affordable options for senior citizens in high-demand regions.
Plymouth Town Manager Derek Brindisi shared his enthusiasm for the initiative. “Plymouth is deeply grateful for the Healey-Driscoll administration’s steadfast support of affordable housing initiatives,” Brindisi remarked. “This funding allocation demonstrates our shared vision of expanding housing accessibility for our community members.”
The comprehensive funding package comprises $23.3 million in federal 4 percent LIHTC, $6 million in federal 9 percent LIHTC, $35.6 million in state LIHTC, and $93.5 million in direct subsidies from the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC).
Project Highlights Include:
- The Brian J. Honan Apartments in Allston-Brighton: 50 modernized affordable family units.
- The Brooke House at Olmsted Village in Boston: 127 affordable residences for seniors.
- Phase 1 of the Campello Redevelopment in Brockton: 144 senior-focused affordable units.
- Blanchard 1 and 2 in Cambridge: 110 senior-specific affordable homes.
- Harbor Vue in Hyannis: 120 family-oriented affordable units, including deeply affordable options.
Project stakeholders and community leaders expressed their gratitude for the state’s crucial support in realizing these developments.
Walter Ohanian, Managing Director of The Grantham Group, commended the collaborative effort. “The Grantham Group is delighted to receive support from the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities for the Cranberry Commons Apartments at Redbrook. This exceptional level of affordability is largely achievable thanks to the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s substantial commitment to expanding sustainable, affordable housing throughout the Commonwealth,” Ohanian noted.
B’nai B’rith Housing’s Executive Director, Susan Gittelman, echoed these sentiments. “We applaud the Healey Administration’s resolute approach to addressing the Commonwealth’s housing challenges, particularly in ensuring that low- and moderate-income seniors can maintain their quality of life in Cambridge through this new housing development,” Gittelman expressed.
These 14 innovative affordable housing initiatives mark a vital investment in Massachusetts’ communities, delivering secure, cost-effective residences for countless families statewide.