Chelsea City Officials gathered with Secretary Gregory Bialecki on Nov. 12 to announce a $3
million grant for Metro North
State money keeps rolling into Chelsea on a weekly basis this fall, with a $3 million grant being announced this week on the heels of another announcement last week for veterans housing and the gigantic Silver Line financial commitment in the previous week.
On Tuesday, Housing and Community Development Secretary Greg Bialecki announced over $8 million in funding for four Metro North communities through the MassWorks Infrastructure Program to help support development and growth in the region.
Some $3 million of that was promised to Chelsea during a ceremony at the One North luxury housing development currently under construction adjacent to Rt. 1.
The latest grant will support Phase III of the Gateway Center Improvement Project, which will include the replacement of water mains, sewer separation, and roadway and sidewalk repairs. These upgrades will help support the long-term redevelopment efforts in the City’s Urban Renewal District and will support the construction of a new 152-room hotel, a 250,000 square foot corporate center, and the construction of the second phase of the One North housing project, which will include 230 market-rate rental units.
Tuesday’s state grant award complements the $2.5 million the City has received in MassWorks funding since 2011 to support the revitalization of the area.
“We remain committed to working with local communities to help identify opportunities to maximize growth and spur regional development,” said Bialecki. “I look forward to our ongoing partnerships with these communities and private industry leaders to explore additional ways to promote continued growth throughout the community and region.”
Chelsea City Manager Jay Ash hosted Bialecki last summer for a whirlwind tour of the City and its business districts. That tour ended with a working luncheon at the new Residence Inn where Chelsea business leaders shared their concerns and needs with Bialecki.
The grant award comes in direct relation to the tour last summer, and the suggestions that Bialecki took for how to target state investment in the City.
“This funding will not only help make the necessary infrastructure upgrades to support new construction in the area, but it will also spur economic growth and job-creation for residents in my district,” said State Sen. Sal DiDomenico. “I would like to thank the Patrick Administration for continuing to invest in our Gateway Cities, as well as City Manager Jay Ash and our municipal officials for working collaboratively to move Chelsea forward.”
Through the MassWorks Infrastructure Program, the Patrick Administration partners with local communities and helps municipalities make targeted investments in infrastructure such as roadways, streetscapes, water, and sewer to facilitate and support new and sustained housing and economic growth throughout the state.
Additional awards were also announced on Tuesday in Revere, Melrose and Malden.