Gov. Maura Healey has selected Swampscott’s Veterans Crossing as one of the housing developments across the Commonwealth to receive nearly $278 million in state and federal financing and tax credits.
“I am very proud that the 2024 Affordable Homes Act made these investments possible,” said State Rep. Jennifer Armini (Essex). “I am especially proud that Swampscott’s Veterans Crossing development is part of it – 41 new housing units for people 55 plus.”
Veterans Crossing, a three-story development planned for land between Pine and Burrill streets and along Paradise Road, will serve income-qualified residents ages 55 and older, with a preference for veterans. The awards will create or preserve 2,547 housing units across 20 communities.
“We’re on a mission to build more homes and lower housing costs in every part of Massachusetts, and today we’re hitting the road to show that work in action,” Healey said. “It’s made possible by the Affordable Homes Act that I proposed and signed. This is about making sure that Massachusetts is a state where teachers, nurses, firefighters and young people can actually afford to live.”
At the 2023 Town Meeting, Swampscott residents approved the acquisition and redevelopment of 12-24 Pine St. for veteran housing. B’nai B’rith Housing responded to Swampscott’s request for proposal (RFP) to develop the Pine Street site in August of 2023. A land agreement was signed in December of 2024.
The proposed Veterans Crossing project includes 41 one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartments, each approximately 600 sq. ft, according to a presentation by Senior Project Manager Holly Grace. The apartment layouts include full kitchens with dishwashers. About two dozen units would be available to households earning 30% of the area median income (AMI), while 18 units would serve households earning 60% of AMI, according to Senior Project Manager Yara Vergucht.
Soldier On is expected to work with B’nai B’rith to support veteran housing.
“Communities of every size are stepping up with smart, creative plans to build the homes their residents need,” said Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll. “These awards will turn underused properties into housing, modernize housing and preserve homes that residents already depend on. That means stronger neighborhoods, more vibrant local economies and more opportunities for people to stay and build their future in Massachusetts.”
The town has held neighborhood meetings on the proposed site layout. Neighbors raised concerns that people might “use Pine Street as a parking lot” and that lighting would spill across the street.
The culvert designs — a tunnel-like structure beneath the road that allows water to flow and prevents flooding and erosion — have been a major topic of discussion at Zoning Board meetings.
To safely construct the building and parking area, the culvert would need to be relocated farther into the parking area to avoid interfering with the project’s footprint. The current culvert could potentially create challenges for the foundations, draining and eventual long-term maintenance issues. Clearing the culvert’s path from vehicle access areas and sidewalks can also make it easier to grade the land correctly and lay other utilities without conflicts.
