Increased funding is a result of Governor Healey’s tax cuts package; $72 million total awarded in 2024 to create 1,500+ housing units

Fitchburg - On April 22, 2025, Governor Maura Healey announced $18 million in Housing Development Inceptive Program (HDIP) awards to create 288 total new units in six Gateway Cities across the state.  

These awards close out the third and final competitive HDIP application round of 2024, which saw a record number of new homes created since Governor Healey increased HDIP from $10 million to $30 million a year with a one-time infusion of $57 million as part of her $1 billion tax  cuts package that she signed in October 2023. As a result, the administration awarded a total of $72 million to create 1,544 new housing units in Gateway Cities in 2024.

“The HDIP Program has been a proven success in building more reasonably-priced housing in Gateway Cities across the country. We were proud to expand this program as part of our historic tax cuts package, and we’re thrilled to see this funding being put to work across the states,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Together, we’re making it more affordable for people to live in their communities while also attracting more business, industry and culture to our incredible Gateway Cities.”  

“These awards represent this administration's continued commitment to meeting today's housing demands and meeting them quickly,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “This funding brings a significant impact to cities across the state and goes a long way toward making Massachusetts a more affordable place to live, work, start a family and build a future.”

“I’m grateful to Governor Healey and Lieutenant Governor Driscoll for directing critical investments through the Housing Development Incentive Program, a game-changer for Gateway Cities like Fitchburg,” said Congresswoman Lori Trahan. “This program helps create much needed market-rate housing, drives economic growth, and breathes new life into our downtowns. While Washington threatens to pull back on federal housing support, Massachusetts is charting a better course by investing in solutions that deliver real results for working families.”

The announcement was made alongside local elected officials, housing developers, and awardees at 347 Main Street in Fitchburg, an eight-unit housing development and previous HDIP award recipient. The project’s developer, Prime Real Estate Investment, is one of the two recipients in this funding round to create mixed-use developments in downtown Fitchburg.

“Our Gateway Cities have always been vital hubs and the future of Massachusetts depends on their continued economic success,” said Housing and Livable Communities Secretary Ed Augustus. “The funds awarded to these 10 projects today are crucial to jumpstarting housing production that will make our state more affordable for everyone and ensure these cities keep thriving.”

HDIP is a tool for the state’s Gateway Cities to produce more market rate housing to support economic development, expand the diversity of the housing stock and create more vibrant neighborhoods. The HDIP awards are one part of the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s comprehensive approach to housing, which includes the $5.12 billion Affordable Homes Act, implementation of the MBTA Communities Law, increases to the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit and the work of both the Housing Advisory Council and the Unlocking Housing Production Commission.

Below are the 10 awardees:  

633 Main - Fitchburg

Sponsor: Prime Real Estate Investment 

HDIP award: $1,059,000 

Total units: 16  

329 Main - Fitchburg

Sponsor: Pprops Development

HDIP award: $440,000

Total units: 8  

174 Lyman - Holyoke

Sponsor: C Elliott Developers LLC

HDIP award: $952,000

Total units: 14  

Cahoon Commons - Hyannis 

Sponsor: Jake Dewey

HDIP award: $600,000

Total units: 8  

Spartan Cleaners - Hyannis  

Sponsor: Spartan Cleaners Realty LLC

HDIP award: $2,500,000

Total units: 46  

Mass Mills Boiler Building - Lowell 

Sponsor: Mullins Company

HDIP award: $2,500,000

Total units: 65  

Mass Mills Main Power Building - Lowell

Sponsor: Mullins Company

HDIP award: $2,500,000

Total units: 30  

The Emery - Lowell 

Sponsor: Heritage Properties

HDIP award: $2,500,000

Total units: 37  

38 Norman - Salem 

Sponsor: Kinvarra Capital

HDIP award: $2,250,000

Total units: 20  

One Exchange - Worcester 

Sponsor: CMK Development Partners

HDIP award: $2,300,000

Total units: 44

Statements of Support: 

Senator Julian Cyr, Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Housing (D-Truro):

“The expansion of the Housing Development Incentive Program is an example of the kind of bold action we need to meet the moment in our housing crisis. By investing in housing in our Gateway Cities, we’re not only creating much-needed homes - we’re breathing new life into downtowns, strengthening local economies, and making it possible for more people - across incomes and backgrounds - to put down roots in the communities they love.”

Senator John J. Cronin (D-Worcester and Middlesex):

“HDIP funding is Fitchburg's most important tool to revitalize and restore downtown.The funds awarded today will help the city continue to move forward and make Main Street a more walkable, livable place for residents and visitors alike. I'm thankful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration for their continued investment in the long-term success of Fitchburg.”

Representative Michael Kushmerek, (D- Fitchburg):

“I'm grateful to Governor Healey and her administration for continuing to make investments in growing communities and Gateway Cities like Fitchburg. Senator Cronin and I remain steadfast in our commitment to grow HDIP, which will make a lasting difference in the lives of residents across the Commonwealth and help drive Fitchburg's continued development.”

Fitchburg Mayor Sam Squailia:

"In Gateway Cities like Fitchburg, our historic downtowns are full of potential and growing interest... but realizing that potential takes vision, collaboration, and the right investment. With the support of HDIP and the Commonwealth’s collective commitment, we are able to work with our private partners to turn that vision into reality... revitalizing our historic buildings, creating hundreds of new housing units in the heart of our walkable downtown, and shaping vibrant spaces where people want to live, work, and play right here in Fitchburg."

Lowell Mayor Daniel P. Rourke:

"The Mass Mills Boiler and Power Buildings are the only portion of the entire complex that remain vacant to date. To see the Housing Development Incentive Program (HDIP) awards and know these important structures are being transformed is a huge win for historic preservation in Lowell.  I am equally excited to see The Emery Building has also been awarded HDIP funding.  This new construction project will bring a vacant parcel in our historic downtown back to life.  These are exactly the types of projects Lowell is happy to support. We are very appreciative and would like to thank Governor Healey and her administration for their commitment to housing and economic development."

Lowell City Manager Thomas A. Golden, Jr.:

"I’m so pleased to see these Lowell projects being funded.  This commitment of state Housing Development Incentive Program (HDIP) funding is helping the city gain 132 units of new housing.  Mullins Company and Heritage Properties are two community partners who have invested millions in the city.  We are happy to see these new projects being funded and look forward to continuing our partnership with both developers. We are incredibly grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration and the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities for this vital investment through the HDIP."