The Healey-Driscoll Administration on Thursday, July 31, announced $182 million in low-income housing tax credits and subsidies to 21 rental housing developments that will create or preserve 1,245 homes across Massachusetts. In total, the administration has supported the creation of 6,071 affordable rental units since Governor Maura Healey took office in January 2023.
These awards were made possible in part through the Affordable Homes Act and by Governor Healey’s tax cuts package, which raised the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit to $60 million annually, a $20 million increase that allows the state to support more affordable housing production.
“Our administration is working on all fronts to build more reasonably-priced housing and lower costs for everyone,” said Governor Healey. “These awards are creating thousands of apartments that people can actually afford. This is helping seniors age independently and close to their families and helping workers afford to live in the communities where their jobs are. Congratulations to the municipalities and developers who are receiving these well-deserved awards today.”
“The projects we’re supporting today reflect what’s possible when government, developers and community partners work together to build the housing we need,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “From rehabbing public housing to expanding housing for seniors, this round demonstrates the breadth and creativity of housing solutions across the state.”
“This funding round is about more than bricks and mortar, it’s about people,” said Housing and Livable Communities Secretary Ed Augustus. “Whether it’s a formerly homeless individual in Boston, a senior in Topsfield, or a working family in Easthampton, the homes we’re supporting will change lives. These projects exemplify the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s belief that everyone in Massachusetts deserves a safe, stable and affordable place to live.”
Nearly 420 of these homes will be deeply affordable for households earning less than 30 percent of the area median income (AMI), including many individuals and families transitioning out of homelessness. In total, 1,143 of the homes will be affordable to those earning less than 80 percent of AMI.
This round of funding includes:
- $32.2 million in federal 4 percent and 9 percent Low-Income Housing Tax Credits
- $31.6 million in state Low-Income Housing Tax Credits
- $118.2 million in direct subsidies from the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC)
These investments will leverage nearly $450 million in private equity, supporting urgently needed affordable housing in urban, suburban and rural communities.
Awardees include developments in communities such as Boston, Foxborough, Hadley, Holyoke, Malden, New Bedford, and Worcester.
Governor Healey, Lieutenant Governor Driscoll, and Secretary Augustus made today’s announcement at Waterfield Commons, a new transit-oriented development next to the Winchester MBTA station. The project is a partnership between Causeway Development and John Rudzinski and will create 56 mixed-income rental units.
“We’re honored to be working in partnership with Civico Development and the town of Winchester to bring Waterfield Commons to life,” said Causeway Development Principal Dave Traggorth. “This project embodies the kind of housing our region urgently needs — resilient, inclusive and thoughtfully integrated into the fabric of the community. With more than 70% of the 56 homes set aside as affordable, Waterfield Commons represents a rare opportunity to expand access to one of the commonwealth’s highest opportunity areas. Its location — adjacent to the newly rebuilt Winchester Center MBTA station — makes it a model for climate-smart, transit-oriented development. We’re grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration, EOHLC, and the Winchester community for supporting this vision and enabling us to move forward with a project that will serve generations to come.”
“Rental homes are a critical part of solving our state’s housing affordability challenges,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “These investments reflect our shared commitment to tackling the housing crisis from every angle—creating new homes for working families, supporting seniors who want to age in place, and helping individuals transition out of homelessness. I’m proud that the Legislature passed this funding into law, and thankful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration for disbursing these funds quickly across the state.”
“There is a dire need for more affordable housing options for residents in communities across Massachusetts,” said State Senator Jason Lewis. “As a result of the efforts of the state legislature and Healey administration, I’m pleased that these excellent affordable housing projects are able to move forward.”
“I am very happy to see this project moving forward after some twists and turns,” said State Representative Michael Day. “This partnership between the state, the town and the private sector will help to transform downtown Winchester for the better, and the construction of this transit-oriented housing ensures that we are both investing in our residents of today as well as continuing to make Winchester an attractive place to live for future generations. I appreciate the leadership of our town officials and the cooperation of the Healey Administration in making this project a reality.”
“We must use all the tools we have at our disposal to tackle the housing crisis. I am so glad to see another affordable housing development coming soon to our community thanks to these grants,” said State Senator Pat Jehlen.
The Healey-Driscoll Administration has made housing a top priority, starting with the creation of the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities in 2023. Since then, the Administration has initiated a comprehensive approach that includes passage of the $5 billion Affordable Homes Act, implementation of the MBTA Communities Law, creation of the Momentum Fund, the new State Land for Homes initiative to jumpstart housing production on state land, sizable increases in housing tax credits and subsidies and the elimination of renter-paid broker’s fees.
Eagle Mill Phase II in Lee awarded
Eagle Mill Phase II is a new construction project adjacent to Eagle Mill Phase I, a mill conversion project now underway in Lee. The sponsor of both phases is a partnership between Hearthway and Jon Rudzinski of Rees-Larkin. When completed, Eagle Mill Phase II will offer 44 total units. Twenty-four units will be reserved for families earning less than 60 percent of AMI, with eight units further restricted for families earning less than 30 percent of AMI and, in some cases, transitioning from homelessness.
According to Eagle Mill developer Jeffrey Cohen, 56 apartments will be completed through the grant and people will be able to move into the building this January.
