State Awards Housing Grants To Lower Cape Towns

Three Lower Cape towns have been awarded more than $250,000 through the state’s Seasonal Community Grant Program to assist in the development of affordable housing.

 The grants were announced last week by Gov. Maura Healey. Twenty-four communities were awarded more than $2 million to support advancement of housing and infrastructure programs that could support as many as 600 new homes.

The Seasonal Communities Grant Program was established as part of the $5.16 billion Affordable Homes Act signed by Healey in 2024, the largest housing bond bill in Massachusetts history. Earlier this year, the administration finalized regulations that give designated communities new tools to create and preserve year-round housing, including zoning reforms and options to support local workers and residents. Grant funding can be used for housing planning and zoning, local actions that support new housing development, and infrastructure improvements that help move projects forward. All awards are part of the fiscal 2027 grant round, with funds to be spent by June 30. 

All Cape towns are designated Seasonal Communities under the act. Acceptance of the designation unlocks other tools in the legislation aimed at creating and preserving year-round housing. Chatham, Orleans and Brewster have thus far voted to accept the Seasonal Communities designation.

Brewster will receive $97,772 to advance engineering and construction, including an innovative alternative septic system, for two housing units at the Sea Camps bay property for town employees.

The state awarded Chatham $82,335 to support pre-development for the 14 units home ownership project slated for town-owned land on Stepping Stones Road, which will include up to six units reserved for municipal and school district employees. The funds will also contribute toward development of an economic strategic plan with a focus on leveraging the creative economy.

Orleans was awarded $81,145 to conduct a feasibility study for development of new year-round and municipal workforce housing.