WAYLAND – In a bold move to address the state’s escalating affordable housing crisis, the Planning Office for Urban Affairs has announced the upcoming construction of St. Ann’s Senior Village at 124 Cochituate Road. The project, which is part of a broader $158 million investment by the Healey-Driscoll Administration across Massachusetts, will provide 60 affordable rental units exclusively for seniors aged 62 and over.
The new development is designed with both affordability and community integration in mind. Every unit will be affordable to seniors earning less than 50 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI), while 15 of those units will be reserved for those earning below 30 percent of AMI.
In a statement, Bill Grogan, President of the Planning Office for Urban Affairs, highlighted the project’s careful design considerations: “St. Ann’s Village is a perfect example of how targeted funding and thoughtful design can transform underutilized land into vibrant, sustainable housing that truly meets community needs.”
The project’s funding comes from a mix of federal and state resources, including $23.3 million in federal 4 percent LIHTC, $6 million in federal 9 percent LIHTC, $35.6 million in state LIHTC, and $93.5 million in Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) subsidies. These awards were made possible by a recent tax relief bill that increased the state’s annual allocation for affordable housing, allowing Massachusetts to expand its support for critically needed projects like this one.
Notably, the building’s design respects Wayland’s traditional character. Situated along Route 27, the two- to three-story structure has been carefully sited to blend with the surrounding topography and wooded landscape. The design includes substantial setbacks – a triple setback from the nearest neighbor – to preserve mature trees and minimize any impact on adjacent properties. Environmental stewardship remains a top priority: 74 percent of the site will remain undeveloped, preserving natural wetlands and reducing stormwater runoff through modernized systems.
St. Ann’s Senior Village not only promises essential housing for local seniors but also strengthens community ties. The project is developed in partnership with the local church, which has generously provided underutilized land for this purpose. In addition, the close proximity to St. Ann’s and Good Shepherd parish will allow residents to benefit from community services and support, fostering a well-connected living environment.
As Wayland prepares to welcome St. Ann’s Senior Village, community members have expressed strong support for the project, emphasizing its alignment with local values and its potential to revitalize underutilized spaces without compromising the town’s character. With construction expected to commence soon, residents look forward to a future where quality, affordable senior housing stands as a testament to both innovative policy and community spirit.
