Eagle Mill Awarded Low-income Housing Tax Credits

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LEE, Mass. — The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced $182 million in low-income housing tax credits and subsidies to 21 rental housing developments that will create or preserve 1,245 homes across Massachusetts.
 
This includes the Eagle Mill.
 
Currently in phase II, the new construction project adjacent to Eagle Mill Phase I is a mill conversion project now underway in Lee. 
 
The sponsor of both phases is a partnership between Hearthway and Jon Rudzinski of Rees-Larkin. When completed, Eagle Mill Phase II will offer 44 total units. Twenty-four units will be reserved for families earning less than 60 percent of AMI, with eight units further restricted for families earning less than 30 percent of AMI and, in some cases, transitioning from homelessness. 
 
In total, the administration has supported the creation of 6,071 affordable rental units since Governor Maura Healey took office in January 2023. 
 
These awards were made possible in part through the Affordable Homes Act and by Governor Healey's tax cuts package, which raised the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit to $60 million annually, a $20 million increase that allows the state to support more affordable housing production.  
 
"Our administration is working on all fronts to build more reasonably-priced housing and lower costs for everyone," said Governor Healey. "These awards are creating thousands of apartments that people can actually afford. This is helping seniors age independently and close to their families and helping workers afford to live in the communities where their jobs are. Congratulations to the municipalities and developers who are receiving these well-deserved awards today."
 
These investments will leverage nearly $450 million in private equity, supporting urgently needed affordable housing in urban, suburban and rural communities. 
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New Canoe Take-out for the Housatonic River in South Lee

LEE, Mass.— In the final days of 2025, a consortium including the State, the Town of Lee, a conservation group, and a private consultant purchased a 4-acre parcel in South Lee for public access and a canoe take-out. 
 
The parcel is located upstream of Willow Mill Dam and opens a reach that has been difficult to access for lack of a safe take-out. 
 
"This project reconnects people to an extraordinary stretch of river and ensures it will remain accessible for generations to come," said Erik Reardon, Berkshire Watershed Director for the Housatonic Valley Association.
 
The run starts at the Lee Athletic Fields, owned and protected by the Town of Lee, then the paddler passes through reserves held by the Berkshire Natural Resources Council, MassWildlife's Hop Brook Wildlife Management Area, past private Agricultural Preservation Restrictions, and past part of DCR's Beartown State Forest.  
 
"It is a stretch of river that has seen tremendous public investment in land conservation, but until now, it has been difficult for the public to experience and enjoy," said Schroeder.
 
The new access and take-out is located directly upstream from Meadow Street Bridge and is permanently protected for public access. The partners include the Town of Lee, who will own the property; Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game (DFG) and its Division of Fisheries and Wildlife ("MassWildlife"), whose purchase of Conservation Restriction helped make the acquisition possible; the Housatonic Valley Association (HVA); and Narain Schroeder whose consulting firm, Tanager LLC, applied for and received a Community Preservation Grant of  $100,000 for the acquisition. Schroeder donated his time. 
 
"The town is very appreciative of all the individuals and organizations that made this possible. The town will continue to work with these organizations to create parking on the parcel and cut a simple trail to the water," said Town Administrator Chris Brittain. "Plan to get your canoes down from the rafters this spring and come enjoy this magnificent reach of the Housatonic." 
 
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