News Summary
Governor Maura Healey has unveiled a major initiative to create up to 3,500 new housing units on state-owned land in Massachusetts. The state aims to address the ongoing housing crisis by offering affordable options for families, seniors, and workers. With extensive plans for development and environmental considerations in mind, Healey aims to preserve and create 65,000 housing units over the next five years, providing hope for a more accessible housing market.
Boston, Massachusetts — Governor Maura Healey has announced an ambitious initiative to develop up to 3,500 new housing units on over 450 acres of state-owned land. This effort is a response to the ongoing housing crisis in Massachusetts, aiming to provide affordable housing options for families, seniors, and workers across the state.
The state has identified 17 viable sites for development, with plans to issue Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for 10 of these locations within the next year. The remaining seven sites are scheduled for auction in September 2025, signaling a significant advance toward increasing the availability of housing in the region.
In addition to the new projects, there are already 1,500 housing units currently in progress on state-owned land. Notable ongoing projects include the redevelopment of the 175-acre former Boston State Hospital campus in Mattapan, a 241-unit redevelopment of the old Veterans Home in Chelsea set to break ground this year, and a mixed-use project in Roxbury that will feature 100 housing units, retail storefronts, and a public park.
In the next six months, more RFPs will be issued targeting vacant court buildings in Lowell and Fitchburg, as well as lots near Bridgewater State University and Middlesex Community College. Potential future sites also have been discussed, including the now-closed MCI Concord prison and the old Lowell Superior Courthouse building. Officials emphasize that all selected sites will exclude protected open spaces, wetlands, and flood plains to ensure the development is environmentally responsible.
Part of Healey’s vision is to address various segments of the housing market, and Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll highlighted that the initiative will include middle-income housing for those who do not qualify for traditional subsidies. This comprehensive approach aims to cater to the diverse needs of housing in Massachusetts, acknowledging that low-income families are not the only demographic facing challenges in the current housing landscape.
The Healey administration has set an ambitious goal to create and preserve 65,000 housing units over the next five years. This plan comes amid soaring housing costs exacerbated by economic factors, population growth, and limited available land. According to the Greater Boston Housing Report, if just 5% of vacant state or municipal land were re-developed, it could provide over 85,000 new housing units—a staggering figure that underscores the potential of public land development in addressing the state’s housing crises.
Governor Healey’s initiative is a critical step towards alleviating the mounting pressures of the housing market in Massachusetts. Access to affordable and adequate housing is seen as essential for the well-being and stability of families and communities across the state. The governor stressed that everyone deserves a secure place to call home, positioning affordable housing as a key element to fostering economic resilience and growth in Massachusetts.
With these developments on the horizon, state officials, housing advocates, and community members alike are hopeful that increased focus on housing development will bring about meaningful change in the housing market, allowing greater access and affordability for all residents.
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Additional Resources
- The Real Deal
- Wikipedia: Housing Crisis
- CBS News
- Google Search: Massachusetts housing development
- Boston.com
- Google Scholar: Affordable Housing Massachusetts
- Bisnow
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Urban Planning
- Realtor.com
- Google News: Massachusetts affordable housing initiative
