MARBLEHEAD — At a recent Housing Authority meeting, Angela Gile, senior project director at WinnCompanies, presented updates on the proposed redevelopment of Broughton Road properties, emphasizing affordability, resident protection and a mixed-income approach.
Gile reaffirmed several core commitments that will guide the project, regardless of final design changes. “Any unit or building that does get demolished will get built back at a one-to-one replacement,” she said. “If we demolish a two-bedroom unit, we will build back that two-bedroom unit, and it will be available at the same affordability level that it is today.”
Additionally, all current residents will retain the right to return to their units after redevelopment — a guarantee that has remained central to Winn’s proposal.
While design specifics are still in development, Gile noted most existing buildings will likely remain and undergo renovations. Residents in these units may face temporary relocations during the construction process. A primary goal of the project is to maintain all existing units and add “net new” units to increase housing supply.
The additional units, Gile explained, would be built using a “mixed-income” strategy — offering a range of affordability from deeply affordable units to some potential market-rate options. This strategy, she said, balances community needs and helps attract diverse funding sources, including competitive state and federal housing credits.
“The general plan is to offer a wide range of affordability with some market rate as well,” Gile explained, noting funding sources often require units serving very low-income levels — 30% Area Median Income (AMI) or lower — and up to 60% AMI for tax credit eligibility. There may also be flexibility to allow some units up to 80-110% AMI if funding allows.
Gile emphasized that no decision has been finalized on how many of the new units will fall into each affordability category, calling it “a little bit of an art and a science” based on future financing.
Concerns about potential changes to affordability and community acceptance were voiced during the meeting. Residents and board members acknowledged the need for transparent communication with the public to avoid misconceptions, particularly around market-rate housing. Gile noted that engaging the community will be essential in shaping final plans, and that Winn has experience facilitating these processes.
The project team is still working through due diligence and conceptual designs. While updated visuals are not yet available, the designs are reportedly not far from the original concepts. Gile said more detailed renderings and timelines will likely become available later in the summer.
On the funding side, Gile expressed cautious optimism. “We are so fortunate that the Commonwealth remains very committed and able to fund housing projects,” she said. “Projects are still getting funded and closing, and I feel very fortunate that it remains a priority of the Commonwealth.”
Local and federal housing tax credit funding has also increased, a positive sign for developers, according to other members of the planning team.
To support the design phase, the board is moving forward with hiring SB Design as the architectural consultant. The firm is highly regarded for its experience with public housing projects and community engagement, and previously completed conceptual designs for the Brentwood site.
Board members and staff highlighted the importance of having an independent architect to represent the interests of both the Housing Authority and residents during planning, permitting and construction.
The board also expressed intent to hold dedicated workshops or community forums to allow for deeper public engagement, given the complexity and importance of the redevelopment.
Resident input, Gile emphasized, will remain important: “Resident involvement is incredibly important to us. It really drives the design.”
