The Cities of Methuen, Lawrence, and Haverhill were each awarded infrastructure money for projects that support new housing, economic development, and enhance road safety.
Governor Charlie Baker, Lt. Governor Karyn Polito, and Secretary of Housing and Economic Development Mike Kennealy joined members of the Legislature and local officials to announce the 2020 Round of the MassWorks Infrastructure Grant Program. The awards were announced during a virtual ceremony, and are part of the Administration’s comprehensive economic recovery initiative, Partnerships for Recovery.
“MassWorks provides essential funding to cities and towns for infrastructure projects that spur housing production, create jobs and attract private investment, which are particularly important during our economic recovery,” said Governor Charlie Baker.“We are grateful for our partnerships, both with the Legislature and with local officials, that make these investments possible, and we look forward to continued collaboration to support Massachusetts’ economy.”
“The MassWorks program plays a critical role in filling in the needed funding gaps that would otherwise keep these key projects from moving forward and inhibit substantial private investments in the main streets and downtowns of municipalities across the Commonwealth,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “By providing flexible funding to our local partners, we are empowering these communities to move ahead with projects that will have an immediate and lasting impact on their commercial districts, housing stock, and residents.”
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and to support the Commonwealth’s hardest-hit communities, the Administration prioritized projects that are at an advanced stage of planning, design, and permitting. These projects, which are ready to start construction in spring 2021, also support strategic goals that are central to Partnerships for Recovery.
The Merrimack Valley Planning Commission plays an important role in reviewing and grading MassWorks applications originating in our region. MVPC analyses how well the applications align with priorities identified in various strategic plans like the Priority Growth Strategy, the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy, the Regional Housing Production Plan, the Regional Transportation Plan, and the Active Transportation Plan.
MVPC was happy to see three strong applications submitted from the region. We were even happier to see all three projects funded.
| Award | Project Description |
| Methuen – $990,000 Charles Street Retaining Wall Replacement |
Funds will support the rebuilding of a crumbling City-owned retaining wall and replacement of the adjacent sidewalk in downtown Methuen, preserving a 54-space public parking lot that is essential in furthering private development. The project aims to unlock two mixed-use projects, and maintain pedestrian safety and access. |
| Lawrence – $1,310,000 Island Parkside Public Infrastructure Improvements |
New roadway construction and landscaping will connect Lawrence CommunityWorks’ new $27 million, 80 unit affordable multifamily Parkside Housing Development with Ferrous Park, an open space recreational area. The project and development will replace a former industrial area and provide much needed affordable housing and community access to green space, create 78 new jobs, and will replace outdated stormwater infrastructure. |
| Haverhill – $1,950,000 Haverhill Transit Oriented Development Mixed Use Redevelopment |
Major street reconstruction and realignment of several streets close to the Bradford MBTA Commuter Rail Station will unlock a $72 million public-private partnership for a mixed-use development providing 290 market-rate units and 10,000 square feet of retail space on a previous brownfields site located on Railroad Avenue. |