All six Island towns won state funds last week to support affordable housing projects.
On Tuesday, Governor Maura Healey announced $2 million in Seasonal Communities Grant Program awards to support housing and infrastructure in 24 seasonal Massachusetts towns, with more than $400,000 going to the Island. Other beneficiaries included Nantucket and towns on Cape Cod and in the Berkshires.
Up Island, Aquinnah received $58,820 for phase two of the Carl Widdiss Way affordable housing development, as well as a 4-unit project at Maisie’s Way. Chilmark received $60,024 for the Peaked Hill Pastures affordable housing project and an existing unit in need of repair, and West Tisbury received $69,737 for eight affordable housing units at 401 State Road.
Down Island, Edgartown received $76,423 for five housing units at 294 Chappaquiddick Road, Oak Bluffs received $77,140 for the 12-unit Bellevue Veterans Community and Tisbury received $74,960 for 6 units at the Cat Hollow project.
Gosnold also received $55,290 to connect its ferry dock to its town hall.
State Sen. Julian Cyr, who represents the Cape and Islands district, expressed in a statement his gratitude to the Healey-Driscoll administration for supporting year-rounders in the commonwealth’s seasonal communities.
“These grants represent a milestone investment in the future of Cape Cod and the Islands, where the astronomical cost of housing continues to threaten the stability of year-round residents, workers, and local businesses,” he said. “From advancing affordable housing developments to improving local infrastructure, these awards will help our communities make meaningful progress toward addressing their unique needs.”
The Edgartown affordable housing committee and trust also expressed appreciation for the program as a way for the town to reach its affordable housing goals.
“The Seasonal Communities Grant Program (SCGP) has been instrumental in helping the Town of Edgartown advance its affordable housing projects,” the committee wrote. “This funding supports essential infrastructure improvements, helps leverage local resources, and brings us closer to turning town-owned properties into housing opportunities for our community.”