The Healey-Driscoll Administration is bringing new life to an old state hospital in Foxborough, transforming the bygone site into a beacon of affordable housing with a 141-unit development aimed at residents aged 55 and above, as detailed in a press release from the Massachusetts government. This endeavor, constituting 141 new construction units, is earmarked to meet the income thresholds of less than 60 percent of the area median income for most residents, with a special set-aside of 35 units for even more economically stressed individuals whose earnings don't exceed 30 percent of said median.
In this push to combat soaring living costs, the state and federal coffers are tapped to inject a mix of tax credits, subsidies and funding into the project. The Walnut Street development stands as a testament to a collaborative effort that includes local, state, and federal levels, as well as the involvement of Onyx, a Black woman-owned development company focused on equity in affordable housing. Governor Maura Healey praised the project, "These 141 homes represent a much-needed boost to our housing production in Massachusetts" and underscored the significance of utilizing state-owned land to drive down living costs. Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll added, “Rising housing costs are impacting people across Massachusetts, especially our older residents,” as mentioned on the press release from the Massachusetts government.
The project has the town of Foxborough actively cooperating with the state authorities, which has been a drawn-out endeavor, finally bearing fruit in the form of $25 million in funding and tax credit subsidies to make housing more accessible to the region's senior population. “This significant financial support highlights a collaborative initiative between our town and state and federal government agencies," Foxborough Acting Town Manager Paige Duncan expressed, affirming the shared dedication to easing the burdens for the township's elder community, according to the same press release.
An amalgamation of funding streams fortifies this project, including $14 million from the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, in addition to the allocation of $5.7 million in American Rescue Plan (ARPA) rental funds, $3.65 million in state Low-Income Tax Credits, and $1.1 million in federal Low-Income Tax Credits and the development will also be supplemented by approximately $900,000 in federal Low-Income Tax Credits set to be finalized at closing, such a diverse financial framework has positioned the Walnut Street development as a flagship endeavor, poised to stand not just as affordable shelter but also as a shining example of sustainable living, intended to meet Passive House certification standards through all-electric heating, cooling, and the deployment of solar arrays.
Committing to Massachusetts' green housing goals, Walnut Street includes an overall design that pays heed to sustainable practices—from its stormwater management systems to drought-resistant planting strategies—while prioritizing the health of its future residents with a vigilant approach to indoor air quality. Senator Paul Feeney (D-Foxborough) lauded the initiative, “It’s going to take smart planning, persistence, and bold action to address a housing crisis that is squeezing out seniors and working people in the commonwealth," as per Massachusetts government press release.
