State Awards Millions To Support Nantucket Housing Projects

Massachusetts has awarded $3.64 million in grants for infrastructure improvements related to Nantucket housing projects.

The funds come from the state’s Community One Stop for Growth awards, a program intended to make it easier “for cities, towns and organizations to access state funding for projects that create housing, strengthen downtowns, prepare sites for development, build construction and support local economic growth.” The grants are overseen by the executive office of economic development.

The state allocated $3.14 million to roadway and infrastructure improvements along Vesper Lane. These improvements support two housing projects. One of those is the Nantucket Cottage Hospital’s major expansion, which includes 48 units of employee housing and a new clinical building. That project is currently pending before the Planning Board, where it has received some pushback.

The other project the $3.14 million in infrastructure improvements would support is a proposed town-owned 17-unit senior housing development next door to the hospital’s new buildings. Construction on that project is not expected for some time, as the town and the Affordable Housing Trust are currently prioritizing other projects. Affirmative Investments, the company awarded the Vesper Lane senior housing development, was also awarded workforce housing developments on Orange Street and Bartlett Road, which the town and the Affordable Housing Trust have prioritized over the Vesper Lane project.

The state also awarded $500,000 for site upgrades related to two projects in the mid-island area that will jointly create 40 units of deed-restricted affordable and middle-income workforce housing.

“We’re investing in communities across Massachusetts to create the housing, jobs and economic growth our state needs,” Governor Maura Healey said in a press release on the full slate of grants. “These awards will turn underused properties into new homes and businesses, strengthen downtowns, create good jobs and unlock billions of dollars in private investment. That means more opportunity for families, workers and businesses in every part of our state.”

In total, the state awarded $330 million for 403 projects across 207 communities.

“These investments will make a meaningful difference for communities across the Commonwealth, from the Berkshires to Cape Cod,” Julian Cyr, Nantucket’s representative in the state Senate, said in a press release. “From creating more year-round housing to strengthening critical infrastructure and supporting our downtowns, waterfronts and local business districts, these projects respond directly to the needs of the people who live and work here. I’m grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration and our local partners for continuing to invest in our future.”

Nantucket projects have received funds through the program before. According to the state’s website, the Hive shared-use kitchen received $100,000 in 2023, and the town received $4 million for its ongoing Surfside area transportation improvements last year.