Chelsea City Officials gathered with Secretary Gregory Bialecki on Nov. 12 to announce a $3 million grant for Metro North
Throughout the fall, Chelsea has continued to receive substantial state funding on a regular basis. This week’s announcement of a $3 million grant follows last week’s veterans housing initiative and the previous week’s major Silver Line financial commitment.
Housing and Community Development Secretary Greg Bialecki unveiled over $8 million in MassWorks Infrastructure Program funding on Tuesday, directed toward four Metro North communities to foster regional development and expansion.
Chelsea received $3 million of this allocation during a ceremony held at the One North luxury housing development, which is currently being constructed next to Rt. 1.
The funding will support Phase III of the Gateway Center Improvement Project, encompassing water main replacement, sewer separation, and repairs to roadways and sidewalks. These enhancements will facilitate ongoing redevelopment in the City’s Urban Renewal District and enable construction of a new 152-room hotel, a 250,000 square foot corporate center, and the second phase of One North, featuring 230 market-rate rental units.
This award supplements the $2.5 million in MassWorks funding Chelsea has received since 2011 for area revitalization efforts.
“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.”
City Manager Jay Ash hosted Bialecki for an extensive tour of Chelsea’s business districts last summer. The visit concluded with a working lunch at the new Residence Inn, where local business leaders discussed their priorities and concerns with Bialecki.
The grant award directly reflects that summer tour and the recommendations Bialecki received regarding state investment opportunities 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,” stated 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.”
The MassWorks Infrastructure Program enables the Patrick Administration to collaborate with municipalities on targeted infrastructure investments in areas such as roadways, streetscapes, water, and sewer systems to support housing and economic growth across the state.
Revere, Melrose and Malden also received additional awards announced on Tuesday.