March 12, 2026 |Affordable Housing Trust Fund (AHTF), Housing, News, Non-profits

Commonwealth Land Trust Breaks Ground on New Affordable Housing Development

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From Commonwealth Land Trust – CLT held a groundbreaking ceremony on March 4 to celebrate the start of construction on its newest supportive housing development in Lynn. The groundbreaking gathering was hosted at the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless, followed by a ceremonial groundbreaking at the project site. 

The project represents CLT’s first project in the City and reflects the organization’s continued growth and commitment to community preservation at a time when the need for stable, affordable housing has never been greater.

This new development advances CLT’s mission to create permanently affordable homes that help residents remain in their communities and build long-term stability. Construction is expected to take approximately 16 months, followed by six months of leasing, with the project anticipated to be completed by the end of 2027.

The project recently received $6.9 million in state and federal funding from the Healey-Driscoll Administration, including Low-Income Housing Tax Credits and state subsidy support, fully funding the $18 million development and helping move the project forward more quickly.

The five-story building will provide 40 single-occupancy, permanently affordable homes for people with histories of homelessness, extremely low incomes, and disabilities. The project will deliver 28,665 square feet of finished space on a 7,722-square-foot lot. Developed in partnership with the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless, the project is expected to close construction in early 2026 and begin welcoming residents in 2027.

The building is being designed with sustainability in mind, with plans for full electrification of heating, cooling, and hot water systems, on-site solar panels to help reduce utility costs, and a goal of meeting Passive House standards. Units will feature Luxury Vinyl Plank flooring, Silestone countertops, and GE Energy Star appliances.

“We are grateful to have been welcomed into Lynn for this important project,” said Iva Comey, President and CEO of Commonwealth Land Trust. “For 40 years, we have preserved neighborhoods and developed supportive housing in Eastern Massachusetts. This development builds on that history, creates high quality homes, and provides stability and long term opportunity for people who need it most.”

The project is supported by a broad coalition of public, private, and community partners, including major financial institutions and housing investment organizations. The groundbreaking will bring together local and state officials, community development leaders, housing advocates, and residents to recognize the collective effort behind the project.

The groundbreaking ceremony featured remarks from a diverse group of leaders, partners, and community voices who have played a role in bringing the project to life. The event began with a welcome from President and CEO of CLT, Iva Comey, followed by CLT Board Member David Hale, who highlighted the organization’s growth and mission and excitement to expand into Lynn.

Elected officials offered their support, including Mayor Jared Nicholson and State Representative Sean Reid, emphasizing the importance of affordable housing and support to the Lynn community.

Funding partners also spoke, including Ethan Handelman, Executive Director of CEDAC, as well as representatives from MHIC and Eastern Bank, noting the critical role of financial backing in making the project possible.

Partner organizations shared their perspectives, with remarks from Joyce Tavon, CEO of the Massachusetts Housing & Shelter Alliance (MHSA), and Robyn Frost, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless, highlighting the collaborative effort to address homelessness and housing instability.

Voices from the community included Jason, a CLT resident who shares his direct experience with affordable housing, and the project architects, who spoke about sustainable design, accessibility, and creating homes that prioritize resident well-being.

“Lynn is committed to expanding access to affordable, supportive housing, and this development is an important step forward for our city. By partnering with Commonwealth Land Trust and our state and partners, we are creating permanent homes for residents who need stability the most. This project reflects our shared belief that strong communities are built when everyone has a safe and dignified place to live.”

Mayor Jared Nicholson

video recap of groundbreaking

Additional Quotes

State Senator Brendan Crighton
“Developing more affordable housing in Lynn is an incredible investment that benefits the entire community, ” said Senator Brendan Crighton. “We’re proud to join with Commonwealth Land Trust, Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless, our housing partners, and elected officials to commemorate this fully-funded project that will provide housing to some of our most vulnerable residents.”

State Representative Sean Reid
“Projects like this create real opportunity and strengthen our entire community,” said State Representative Sean Reid. “As someone who grew up in Lynn and faced firsthand the challenges many residents experience, I’m proud to see this investment bring long-term stability and opportunity to those who need it.”

State Representative Daniel Cahill 
“The Casa Project is a powerful example of what’s possible when state, local, and community partners work together,” said Representative Dan Cahill. “The Casa Project’s commitment to providing safe, stable, and deeply supportive housing is transforming lives and strengthening families across our region. With support from the Healey-Driscoll Administration, we are advancing urgently needed permanent supportive housing that will help residents build stable futures while preserving the fabric of our communities.”

Council President Constantino “Coco” Alinsug
“Commonwealth Land Trust’s expansion into Lynn is an important investment in our city’s future,” said Council President Alinsug, President of the Lynn City Council. “This project represents exactly the kind of thoughtful, community-centered development our city needs: housing that is not only affordable, but permanent and supportive. I commend CLT for investing in Lynn and for helping ensure that more of our residents have access to stable, dignified homes.”

David Hale, CLT Board Member
“This project reflects Commonwealth Land Trust’s unwavering commitment to long-term affordability and thoughtful growth,” said David Hale, Board Member of Commonwealth Land Trust. “Expanding into Lynn is not just about adding housing units – it’s about strengthening communities and ensuring that individuals facing the greatest barriers have access to safe, stable homes where they can rebuild their lives. We are proud to support a development that combines sustainability, partnership, and lasting impact.”

Ethan Handelman, Executive Director, CEDAC
“Community Economic Development Assistance Corporation (CEDAC) is proud to support this development, which brings together deep affordability, supportive housing, and long-term community investment,” said Ethan Handelman, Executive Director of CEDAC. “Having a dedicated nonprofit sponsor like CLT committed to permanent affordability and resident stability is central to the successful use of public resources. This investment will create a lasting impact for individuals in Lynn who need a safe, supportive place to call home.”

Moddie Turay, President and CEO of MHIC
“MHIC is proud to invest in a development that advances both permanent affordability and supportive housing for individuals facing significant barriers,” said Moddie Turay, President and CEO of MHIC. “This project reflects the power of mission-driven financing to create high-quality homes that provide long-term stability. We are pleased to support Commonwealth Land Trust as it expands its impact into Lynn.”

Pam Feingold, Senior Vice President and Group Director of Community Development Lending of Eastern Bank“Eastern Bank is proud to help with the financing of a development that delivers both lasting affordability and meaningful community impact,” said Pam Feingold, Senior Vice President and Group Director of Community Development Lending of Eastern Bank. “Access to stable housing is foundational to economic opportunity and long-term well-being. By investing in this project, we are helping ensure that individuals facing homelessness and housing instability have a safe, sustainable place to call home in Lynn.”

Joyce Tavon, CEO of Massachusetts Housing & Shelter Alliance (MHSA) 
“Supportive housing is one of the most effective solutions to ending chronic homelessness,” said Joyce Tavon, CEO of the Massachusetts Housing & Shelter Alliance (MHSA). “This development in Lynn reflects the kind of partnership and commitment required to create lasting stability for individuals with complex needs. We are proud to stand alongside Commonwealth Land Trust in advancing housing that is not only affordable, but paired with the services that help people thrive long term.”

Thad Siemasko, SV Design
“Designing this building has been about more than creating housing – it’s about creating a home that supports residents’ health, comfort, and independence,” said Thaddeus S Siemasko, AIA, Architect, with SV Design. “From full electrification and on-site solar panels to thoughtfully planned interiors, every detail reflects our commitment to sustainability and long-term affordability.”

ABOUT COMMONWEALTH LAND TRUST

Commonwealth Land Trust (CLT) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit founded in 1985. CLT develops affordable, permanent, supportive housing, and manages over 400 units in Boston, Chelsea, and Lawrence, Mass. CLT’s innovative model – combining supportive services and property management under one roof – keeps residents off the streets and saves lives. 

CLT’s mission is to provide affordable housing and supportive services to the most vulnerable individuals and families in Massachusetts in order to prevent homelessness, rebuild lives, and preserve neighborhoods.  

Find CLT on BlueSky, Facebook, Instagram. and YouTube.