O’Connell Administration Secures Record $3.69 Million HousingWorks Grant for Whittenton Mills

Taunton, MA - Mayor Shaunna O'Connell announced the City of Taunton has been awarded a record $3.69 million HousingWorks Grant from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to support the redevelopment of the Whittenton Mills property that has been deteriorating for decades.

"This is an incredible win for Taunton," said Mayor O'Connell. "The redevelopment of Whittenton Mills will transform a blighted eyesore into a thriving, modern neighborhood that provides housing, jobs, and economic opportunity for our residents. We are grateful to the Governor and the state's Economic Development team for recognizing the importance of this project and partnering with us to move Taunton forward."

Four months ago, the Mayor's Office of Economic and Community Development (OECD) met with the state's Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development to present the full scope and potential of the Whittenton Mills Redevelopment. The project will feature 390 new apartment units and 10,000 square feet of commercial space, representing a historic investment in housing, infrastructure, and community growth.

The $3.69 million infrastructure grant will fund critical upgrades including the replacement of aging sewer and water systems, the construction of new sidewalks, and other essential infrastructure improvements to support the site's redevelopment and long-term success.

Mayor O'Connell commended the efforts of the OECD team in securing this grant, extending special thanks to Executive Director Jay Pateakos, Assistant Director Jim Howland and Grant Manager Heather Rios. "This success is the result of teamwork, persistence, and vision," said O'Connell. "The collaboration between our local team and the state's partners demonstrates what can be achieved when everyone works together toward a shared goal of improving our City and creating opportunities for Taunton residents."

"We received news that we had been awarded $3.69M a couple of weeks ago, but the information was embargoed and couldn't be shared until the Governor's Office issued an official press announcement," said OECD Executive Director Jay Pateakos. "We were thrilled when the announcement was made on Friday--we've been waiting to share this fantastic news! I'm grateful to the Mayor for her leadership and I'm so proud of Jim Howland and Heather Rios for the incredible work they do."

In addition to the $3.69M HousingWorks Grant, Taunton received three additional grants in the FY2026 grant cycle, including $149,900 to SRPEDD under Community Planning for Regional ADU Technical Assistance, $50,000 to the City of Taunton under Vacant Storefronts for the City's Vacant Storefronts Program and $15,000 to the Polish Club under TDI Equity for Brick Repointing and Security System Upgrade.

For more information about the Community One Stop for Growth initiative and grant awards, please read the Governor's full press release: https://www.mass.gov/news/healey-driscoll-administration-announces-179-million-for-economic-development-projects-through-community-one-stop-for-growth###