By Cathy Durant –
The Healey-Driscoll Administration has received development proposals to build at least 48 new homes on two surplus, underutilized state-owned parcels located on the Middlesex Community College campus in Bedford and the Bridgewater State University campus in Bridgewater. The two sites encompass approximately 6.6 acres of surplus land, with developers expected to be selected in the first half of 2026.
“Our Administration made a commitment to prioritize the redevelopment of underutilized state-owned property for housing to help lower costs for everyone,” Governor Maura Healey said. “These projects will continue the momentum we’ve seen this year, which will result in hundreds of new, reasonably priced homes across the state.”
Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll highlighted the collaboration involved in advancing the projects. “Working together with our Higher Education Institutions and municipalities, we are moving toward new housing at a great pace,” she said. “We look forward to realizing the tremendous value these new homes will bring to both communities.”
The land dispositions are being carried out under the Affordable Homes Act signed by Governor Healey last summer, which requires municipalities to allow a minimum of four housing units per acre as of right. Both proposed developments have the potential to exceed that requirement. In Bedford, the Select Board has offered a density bonus allowing five units per acre as of right, provided that at least 75 percent of the units have three bedrooms, building heights are limited to two and a half stories, and unit sizes do not exceed 2,035 square feet to promote affordability.
In Bridgewater, existing zoning designed to encourage housing development will allow the project to go well beyond the four-units-per-acre minimum. State officials said the strong backing of both municipalities and their higher education partners reflects the need for additional housing and a shared commitment to addressing local affordability challenges.
“Communities across Massachusetts are stepping up because they’re seeing families and workers priced out of the places they call home,” said Ed Augustus, Secretary of the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities. “In Bedford and Bridgewater, strong local support and thoughtful zoning will help unlock new homes on state land. This is exactly the kind of practical, partnership-driven work that will help us build more housing and bring costs down.”
Middlesex Community College President Phil Sisson said the Bedford project offers new opportunities for the community. “Middlesex Community College is excited to explore housing options for our Bedford community and beyond, working in concert with Governor Healey and our partners at DCAMM,” he said. “We take pride in our deep roots in our communities and look forward to seeing what opportunities the development of a no-longer-used parking will yield for housing and growth to enhance the economic and housing landscape of Bedford.”
Bridgewater State University President Fred Clark emphasized the alignment with local planning efforts. “Bridgewater State University was pleased to partner with the Governor and state leaders in a critically important and innovative effort to construct new housing for the commonwealth,” Clark said. “Our disposition of 106 Hale Street in Bridgewater also aligned with the Bridgewater State University and Town of Bridgewater Master Plans.”
Adam Baacke, commissioner of the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance, said the proposal process was designed to benefit all parties involved. “The Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM) real estate team worked closely with the institutions and their host municipalities to craft RFPs designed to yield collectively beneficial outcomes,” Baacke said. “The responses received for both of these sites reflect that promise and we look forward to making a selection and moving forward.”
Since launching the State Land for Homes initiative in June, DCAMM has disposed of five surplus properties through auction and has issued or supported the municipal issuance of four requests for proposals. The Bedford and Bridgewater projects are the first DCAMM-issued RFPs to advance into the proposal review and selection phase.
Housing has been a central focus of the Healey-Driscoll Administration, beginning with the creation of the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities in 2023. State officials said the administration’s efforts include passage of the $5 billion Affordable Homes Act, implementation of the MBTA Communities Law, establishment of the Momentum Fund, expansion of housing tax credits and subsidies, and the elimination of renter-paid broker’s fees. According to the administration, more than 90,000 new homes have been built or are currently in development since Governor Healey took office.