Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Housing Development topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Planning director says housing pipeline has grown toward 750 units as city deploys DIF and ARPA grants
Summary
OPED Director Tim Sheehan told the council the city is advancing multiple housing and mixed‑use projects — using a DIF for an $80M Springfield Crossing project, ARPA grants, and other tools — and estimated the local housing pipeline at close to 750 units across the city and region.
The director of the Office of Planning and Economic Development said Springfield’s housing pipeline has expanded significantly, with roughly 750 units in development or planning across the city and region. He cited several projects moving forward with city support and financing tools.
Sheehan described an $80,000,000 Springfield Crossing redevelopment that used a District Improvement Financing (DIF) district — only the city’s second DIF deployment — plus projects that will yield dozens of market‑rate, workforce and assisted housing units, including a 62‑unit conversion, a 99‑unit mixed‑use project on State and Maine, and other developments that together push the pipeline near 750 units.
The director also said OPED advanced about $6,000,000 in grant funding for city projects, manages ARPA programs administratively, and serves as staff liaison to multiple boards and authorities (Redevelopment Authority, Historic Commission, Conservation Commission, Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals). Councilors asked for clarifying counts for downtown units and timeline estimates; Sheehan said some projects are staged over a 5–10 year window.
Councilors praised the pace of approvals after several years of lower production and noted the importance of nonprofit, city‑owned and for‑profit transitions in land ownership and reuse for the housing strategy. The administration said it will keep councilors apprised as projects move to bid and construction.
