SOMERVILLE ― Gov. Maura Healey on Tuesday announced the creation of a special catalyst fund for the 177 municipalities affected by the MBTA Communities Act .
Money from the fund can be used to pay for activities related to creating housing, from technical and planning support to infrastructure upgrades and even the purchase of property.
Healey made the announcement on the pathway to the new Green Line Extension to Union Square in Somerville, where a private/public partnership has created 450 new housing units, 90 of them set aside as affordable. The $15 million MBTA Communities Catalyst Fund was included in the state’s Capital Improvement Plan.
“It’s a great mixed income development, with access to the T,” Healey said, noting the towering elevator shaft and big round “T” sign that could be seen behind the assembled dignitaries. While Somerville found land enough to build the housing tower by repurposing a former scrap metal recycler, the zoning changes and housing starts will look different in different communities.