Massachusetts, August 28, 2025
News Summary
The Healey-Driscoll administration in Massachusetts has authorized six projects that will create over 800 housing units across gateway cities, supported by $15 million from the Housing Development Incentive Program (HDIP). The funding will help accelerate housing production in mid-sized urban centers, promoting both market-rate and affordable homes. Key cities include Fall River, Fitchburg, Haverhill, Lowell, Revere, and Worcester, with awards ranging from $1 million to $5 million, targeting revitalization in these areas.
Boston — The Healey-Driscoll administration approved six projects that will create more than 800 housing units across Massachusetts gateway cities, backed by a total of $15 million in awards from the Housing Development Incentive Program (HDIP). The awards are intended to accelerate housing production in mid-sized urban centers and lower barriers for private development of both market-rate and affordable homes.
Key details at a glance
The HDIP funding is allocated to projects in Fall River, Fitchburg, Haverhill, Lowell, Revere, and Worcester. Together, these projects will produce just over 800 homes, with individual awards ranging from $1 million to $5 million. The largest single award, $5 million, goes to a redevelopment at the former Suffolk Downs site in Revere, which will include more than 470 housing units. Other awards include $3 million for a Haverhill project of over 120 units, $2.5 million for 52 units in Fall River, $2 million for nearly 140 units in Worcester, $1.3 million for 24 units in Lowell, and $1 million for 17 units in Fitchburg.
Project-by-project breakdown
- Fall River: $2,500,000 HDIP award to sponsor Downtown Development and Anthony Cordeiro to create 52 housing units.
- Fitchburg: $1,000,000 HDIP award to the Tocci Group to develop 17 homes.
- Haverhill: $3,000,000 HDIP award to Lupoli Companies, led by Sal Lupoli, to add over 120 homes.
- Lowell: $1,300,000 HDIP award to New Royal, LLC and Patrick Tighe to build 24 homes.
- Revere: $5,000,000 HDIP award to HYM Investment Group for redevelopment of the former Suffolk Downs site into over 470 units.
- Worcester: $2,000,000 HDIP award to HHM Cube Properties for a project including nearly 140 units.
Why this matters
The awards target gateway cities, a group of 26 mid-sized urban centers in Massachusetts identified for revitalization and growth. The HDIP is used to support market-rate housing projects that are expected to restore underused properties and attract additional private investment. The initiative aims to reduce common obstacles that slow housing production, including financing gaps and lengthy approval timelines.
Complementary state actions
The HDIP awards are part of a broader state strategy that includes releasing over 450 acres of unused state-owned land to enable development of up to 3,500 new units. The state is also using the Affordable Homes Act to speed up land transfers and streamline processes that have historically delayed construction. Separate redevelopment plans include converting a former unemployment office in downtown Brockton into 40 residential units plus commercial space and a plan in Salem to transform 23 acres of surplus land into a mixed-income complex with 340 units (80% market rate and 20% affordable) and an additional 135–150 deeply affordable homes.
Expected impact and context
The initiative addresses a long-running housing shortage in Massachusetts by prioritizing projects that can move forward quickly and by leveraging public incentives to attract private capital. State housing officials view HDIP as an effective tool to spur development in neighborhoods that can benefit from reinvestment. A recent study cited by state planners found that 40% of publicly owned land in Greater Boston is vacant; using just 5% of that vacant land could yield an estimated 85,000 new housing units in the region, indicating significant additional development potential beyond the current awards.
Implementation and next steps
Projects receiving HDIP awards will proceed through local permitting and construction processes. The state is coordinating land transfers and regulatory support where applicable to shorten timelines. Developers are expected to advance detailed plans, secure remaining financing, and begin construction according to their individual schedules. The state will monitor progress and report on completion milestones as projects move forward.
Background on HDIP and gateway cities
The Housing Development Incentive Program provides awards to encourage development in designated gateway cities. These grants are designed to fill financial gaps and make projects more viable in areas where rental and sale prices may not immediately cover development costs. Gateway cities include mid-sized urban centers identified by the state for economic and housing growth, with the goal of expanding housing choice, increasing economic activity, and revitalizing neighborhoods.
What to watch
Observers will be tracking project timelines, final unit mixes (including the number of permanently affordable homes), and the extent to which these developments catalyze further private investment. The state’s use of surplus land and expedited transfer processes could also accelerate additional projects beyond the six currently funded by HDIP.
FAQ
What is the total HDIP funding announced?
The administration approved $15 million in HDIP awards for six projects across Massachusetts gateway cities.
How many housing units will these projects create?
The approved projects are expected to produce more than 800 housing units in total, with the largest single project planned for Revere at over 470 units.
Which cities received funding and what are the award amounts?
Funding was awarded to projects in Fall River ($2.5M), Fitchburg ($1M), Haverhill ($3M), Lowell ($1.3M), Revere ($5M), and Worcester ($2M).
How does this fit into broader state housing efforts?
The awards are part of a wider strategy including release of state-owned land to create up to 3,500 units, use of the Affordable Homes Act to speed transfers, and other redevelopment projects in Brockton and Salem.
Will these projects include affordable housing?
Project unit mixes vary. Some developments include an explicit affordable component; statewide efforts also target deeply affordable homes through separate programs and land use policies.
Quick reference table
| City | HDIP Award | Approximate Units | Project Sponsor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall River | $2,500,000 | 52 | Downtown Development; Anthony Cordeiro |
| Fitchburg | $1,000,000 | 17 | Tocci Group |
| Haverhill | $3,000,000 | Over 120 | Lupoli Companies |
| Lowell | $1,300,000 | 24 | New Royal, LLC; Patrick Tighe |
| Revere | $5,000,000 | Over 470 | HYM Investment Group |
| Worcester | $2,000,000 | Nearly 140 | HHM Cube Properties |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Mayor Michelle Wu Leads Josh Kraft in Boston’s Mayoral Race
Concerns Over AI’s Impact on Humanities Education
Jeffrey Charnel Honored in Boston’s ’40 Under 40′ Awards
Boston Mayoral Election 2025: Candidates and Key Issues
Boston Real Estate Leader Receives Prestigious Award
Cities Develop AI Guidelines for Public Employees
Rachel Miselman Campaigns for At-Large Boston City Council Seat
Boston City Council Tensions Rise Over Transparency Issues
Canton Sells Site for 49 Condominium Residences
Boston Produce Distributors Experience Summer Rebound
Additional Resources
- Boston Agent Magazine: Massachusetts Housing Projects in Gateway Cities
- NBC Boston: Massachusetts Unlocks Surplus State Land to Boost Housing Development
- Patch: Worcester Housing Project Gets $2M State Funding
- Fall River Reporter: Governor Healey Awards $15 Million in Housing Development Funds
- CNHI News: Massachusetts Housing Development News
- Wikipedia: Gateway City
- Google Search: Massachusetts Housing Development
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Housing
Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER
BOSTON STAFF WRITER The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.
