Affordable housing on State Road sees progress to opening

The first 36 of the proposed 288-units of housing for 769 State Road, known as “Waterstone,” will be ready by summer as the developers begin to advertise the affordable housing lottery.

The developers, First Dartmouth, LCC, plan to complete the work on the 60 acres in phases. Phase one includes the 36 two-bedroom apartments, which will be located in two-story buildings containing 16 units. 

Work on this project had been delayed due to the need for a $2.6 million upgrade to the Elswick and Route 6 pumping stations. A $2.1 million MassWorks grant provided the remaining funds needed to complete the planned upgrades in October.

In 2024, the developers sought and received a two-year extension on its permits, including the comprehensive permit with the Zoning Board of Appeals. At the time, one of the developers spoke of difficulties obtaining sewer and water permits.

While awaiting permits, the land was cleared, erosion control measures were installed, a retention pond was excavated and they demolished three buildings.

At the time, Public Works Director Tim Barber said the housing project was granted permits to begin construction, but “they’re only allowed a limited amount of connections once that infrastructure is in due to the capacity until that upgrade is complete.”

While it is certain the pumping station upgrades will allow the housing development to make progress, it remains unclear what the next phases will look like. The developer, First Dartmouth LLC, was not available for comment prior to publication.

Previous discussions on the project planned for a five-phase breakdown of the construction, with the first phase said to include four apartment buildings and a clubhouse.

Barber highlighted some of the other work the developers have been completing in the meantime, including constructing an emergency access road out to Reed Road that will also be a water main connection.