New Bedford Housing Developments to Get $11.2 Million

NEW BEDFORD — More than $11.2 million in New Bedford's federal COVID relief funding will go towards five new housing developments that will see nearly 150 new units added to the city — including three new projects on Union Street.

The funds are being awarded to five proposed developments that applied for assistance earlier this year through the city's Housing Expansion Initiative.

Announced April 1, the program supports large-scale, shovel-ready housing projects.

Projects eligible for funding must also include units for people with household incomes at or below the area's median income.

“These developments will energize neighborhoods and provide much-needed new units,” Mayor Jon Mitchell said.

“Given the current pace of inflation and the intensifying demand for housing, we want to get funds out the door promptly.”

Get our free mobile app

The following five housing developments are receiving awards:

• $3 million to 10 @ 8th, a 53-unit project at 278 Union St.
• $3 million to 117 Union St., a 45-unit building at 117 Union St.
• $2.85 million to 18 and Union, a 28-unit construction at Union Street and Rt. 18
• $1.38 million to Holy Family School, a 15-unit development at 123 North St.
• $1.05 million to Hillman Street Firehouse, an 8-unit building at 109 Hillman St.

Development costs for the five projects add up to more than $71 million, according to a release announcing the awards from the city.

"The American Rescue Plan was written to speed up our nation's recovery from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and as rents continue to increase, the need for affordable housing in New Bedford is greater than ever," Congressman Bill Keating said.

New Bedford City Council President Ian Abreu commented: “It’s no secret that we have a very serious housing shortage here in New Bedford, and it’s incumbent on us to support the construction of these projects.”

According to the release from the city, a majority of the new units will be income-restricted.