First Round of MBTA Communities Catalyst Fund Awards Released
On March 13, the Healey-Driscoll administration released its first round of ten awards from the new MBTA Communities Catalyst Fund. These grants support activities related to housing development for communities that have committed to creating more homes for their residents by complying with the MBTA Communities Act. The first round of awards is expected to support the creation of 2,332 homes.
Signed into law in 2021 by then Governor Charlie Baker, the MBTA Communities Act asks every municipality adjacent to MBTA service to create at least one zoning district where property owners are allowed to build multifamily buildings like triple deckers, duplexes, and small apartment buildings. Already, 119 Massachusetts communities have passed zoning districts that will allow the creation of reasonably-priced homes.
Key investments in the first round of awards include:
- Acquiring parcels for affordable housing in Somerville, Revere, and Arlington
- Developing sewer and water connections for new homes in Chelsea, Easton, Harvard. Lincoln, and Salem
- Building an ADA-accessible ramp at the North Grafton Commuter Rail Station
CHAPA’s technical assistance program for community engagement is proud to have worked with over 70 communities in achieving compliance with the MBTA Communities Act, and we look forward to many more communities unlocking new homes and state investments in the years to come.