The Healey-Driscoll administration announced a new phase in its "State Land for Homes" initiative, which seeks to transform a 1.59-acre lot in Bridgewater into a multifamily housing development. The lot, located on Bridgewater State University's campus, was released as part of a second Request for Proposals (RFP) under this program. A similar project on a lot of comparable size was greenlit for 77 residential units previously, showing the project's potential for community impact.
In a statement made by Governor Maura Healey, she emphasized the fast-tracking of these properties to facilitate housing development, noting the positive collaboration with higher education institutions like Bridgewater State University. "This is the second parcel we’ve made available to developers in the last month, and it is great to see higher education institutions such as Bridgewater State University participating in this transformative initiative. Together, we are going to build more reasonably-priced homes and lower costs for everyone," Healey stated to Massachusetts Government.
The proposed site benefits from the Affordable Homes Act and the MBTA Communities Act. It aims to create over 3,500 new housing units across Massachusetts through the utilization of more than 450 acres of surplus state-owned land. Moreover, the parcel's location in the MBTA Overlay zone of Bridgewater allows for a higher density of construction, potentially translating to more residential units and aiding in alleviating the housing shortage.
Secretary Ed Augustus of the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities expressed the initiative's focus on actionable results, "The State Land for Homes initiative is about speed and impact — taking vacant state properties and turning them into the new housing we need." According to Massachusetts Government recent release, "Thanks to Affordable Homes Act, we’re cutting red tape, creating housing and putting properties back on local tax rolls." The collaboration was also praised by Bridgewater Community and Economic Development Director Robert Rulli, who anticipates the redevelopment to enhance local tax revenue.
Proceeds from the sale of the Bridgewater State University land will go towards refurbishing the Harrington Hall front entrance to improve accessibility. According to BSU President Fred Clark, this aligns with strategic priorities that include upgrading the physical campus infrastructure. "Bridgewater State University is excited to have its former property at 106 Hale Street presented for redevelopment. This potential development will create new housing for the Town, eliminate blight and return it to the tax rolls providing tens of thousands of dollars in new annual tax revenue for the Town of Bridgewater," he told the Massachusetts Government.
Interested developers have until November 13 at 3:00 p.m. to submit their proposals for the Bridgewater parcel. With the Healey-Driscoll Administration's focus on housing being a key policy pillar since the formation of the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities in 2023, substantial strides have been made, including over 90,000 new homes built or in the pipeline since the commencement of their tenure. The administration maintains that these efforts are critical in addressing the housing demands of the state's residents.
