Jay Ash Delivers $2 Million MassWorks Grant to Chelsea

When former City Manager Jay Ash last exited the Chelsea Council Chambers, it was with an emotional wave good-bye.

Housing and Economic Development Secretary Jay Ash said it was "good to be back," and was happy to be seeing Chelsea continue to develop. He asked the audience of their impressions of the recently-opened FBI Building.

Housing and Economic Development Secretary Jay Ash said it was “good to be back,” and was happy to be seeing Chelsea continue to develop. He asked the audience of their impressions of the recently-opened FBI Building.

On Wednesday morning, he returned all smiles and, instead of waving good-bye, he was waving a $2 million check.

The Baker-Polito Administration announced a $2 million MassWorks Infrastructure Program grant to the City of Chelsea that will provide funding to finish major work on Everett Avenue from the railroad tracks to the Parkway.

MassWorks funding will generate $200 million in private investment in new, transit-oriented housing.

“MassWorks allows us to support public infrastructure investments generating immediate investments that bring new jobs and housing to our cities and towns,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “It is also one of our most flexible programs, empowering communities to seek effective solutions to local priorities, and allowing the Administration to focus on funding projects that will generate substantial, long-term regional growth.”

MassWorks funds will allow the City of Chelsea to fund Phase 5 of the Gateway Center Infrastructure Improvement Project, addressing water, roadway, and streetscape infrastructure deficiencies throughout the City’s Everett Avenue Urban Renewal Area.

Chelsea will rehabilitate surface and subsurface infrastructure bordering the Chelsea Lofts, a fully-permitted, 692-unit mixed-use development owned by Fairfield Development of San Diego. The Chelsea Lofts development will transform a vacant industrial parcel less than one-quarter mile from the future Silver Line Gateway, and generate $200 million in private investment.

The MassWorks Infrastructure Program grants funding to shovel-ready public infrastructure projects that generate additional private sector investment. MassWorks targeted investments in infrastructure, such as roadways, streetscapes, and water systems, are part of the Baker-Polito Administration’s commitment to advancing and preparing communities for new housing and economic development opportunities.

 “The spirit of partnership at the heart of the MassWorks Infrastructure Program is a key component of our ongoing efforts to prepare communities for economic success, and to promote strong, vibrant regions,” said Housing and Economic Development Secretary Jay Ash. “The public-private partnerships we advance through these infrastructure awards will build a stronger economy for everyone who lives and works in Massachusetts.”

The MassWorks Infrastructure Program provides a one-stop shop for municipalities and other eligible public entities seeking public infrastructure funding to support housing production, economic development, and job creation.

The 2016 grant round generated 114 applications, requesting $287 million in public infrastructure grant funding. Infrastructure projects awarded in the 2016 grant round will generate $1 billion in private investment in communities.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *