Acton Housing Authority reports McManus Manor construction on schedule; contamination and ledge increased costs

Representatives of the Acton Housing Authority updated the Select Board on progress at McManus Manor, the authority’s affordable housing redevelopment across from the police station. The authority said the project remains on schedule, with a target substantial completion in May 2026 and anticipated Passivhaus certification and solar and EV charger installation included in the scope.

Acton Housing Authority Chair Nancy Kolb and Executive Director Melissa Bridal said contractor teams encountered unexpected conditions on the site: prior disposal of assorted debris and disturbed soils required additional testing, off‑site disposal and purchase of clean fill. Those unanticipated costs have eaten into the project contingency. The authority said testing did not identify contamination requiring special handling, but soil removal and ledge removal increased costs and required additional excavation and backfill.

The authority emphasized that prevailing‑wage requirements and other public‑construction rules apply to this federally supported project and said weekly construction coordination meetings are ongoing. The housing authority noted the sewer connection schedule remains important to leasing timelines and that town staff are assisting with sewer timing. The authority said applications for tenant lottery and lease‑up are expected to be available in late winter and that occupancy and lottery timelines are tied to completion of the site connection and project milestones.

Board members thanked the Housing Authority and staff for the update and expressed support for the development, citing improved housing supply, energy‑efficient construction and solar/EV features.