B
eacon Communities broke ground on Leefort Terrace, a 124-unit climate-resilient community in Salem Neck, Massachusetts. The project replaces garden-style apartments built in the 1950s for elderly and disabled residents.

    Massachusetts Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll spoke at the celebration ceremony, praising Beacon's redevelopment of Leefort Terrace as "the gold standard" for affordable and climate-resilient public housing. The new buildings will include a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, all-electric and Passive House certified, built above expected 2070 floodplain levels.

    "We are grateful to our partners at the local, state, and federal level for their collaboration and commitment to expanding housing opportunities," said Dara Kovel, CEO of Beacon Communities. "We appreciate the patience and support of the residents and look forward to welcoming them into their new homes in early 2026."

    All apartments will be affordable to households with incomes at or below 30% and 60% Area Median Income for 99 years. Amenities include a fitness center, community room, wellness office, computer stations, laundry rooms on each floor, and publicly accessible open space along Collins Cove.

    Lieutenant Governor Driscoll emphasized the administration's commitment to addressing housing and climate change challenges through initiatives like the Affordable Homes Act and expanded Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) program. Secretary of Housing and Livable Communities Ed Augustus praised Leefort Terrace as a model for sustainable public housing, adding 74 new 100% affordable homes for extremely low-income residents.

    The project is financed by a combination of tax credits, state subsidies, and local funding sources, including the Salem ARPA, Salem CPA, and Brownfields funds.