Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Broughton Road public housing development?
Broughton Road is an existing eight-acre state public housing site and development dating to 1950 that is occupied by 31 duplex houses comprised of two and three-bedroom units. There are 62 existing units. The duplexes stretch across both sides of the public Broughton Road, which runs from its intersection with Humphrey Street at the northwest end to a southeasterly direction to a dead end that abuts the Marblehead Rail Trail. It is owned and operated by the Marblehead Housing Authority (MHA).
How did plans to redevelop this property come about?
In December 2023, the MHA issued a Request for Proposals to identify appropriate development partners to assist the housing authority’s plans to modernize and expand the Broughton Road community. In October 2024, the MHA voted unanimously to designate WinnDevelopment as its development partner.
Who is WinnDevelopment?
WinnDevelopment is the development arm of Boston-based WinnCompanies, an award-winning developer and manager of affordable housing and mixed-income in Massachusetts. The company was founded in 1971 and has excellent credentials and references based on decades of work in dozens of Massachusetts cities and towns. WinnDevelopment creates or revitalizes high-impact, mixed-income apartment communities through new construction, renovation and adaptive reuse techniques. Focused on quality over quantity, the company has earned a reputation as a trusted, stable community development partner among local planners, public sector housing agencies and private sector financiers.
Why is the Broughton Road redevelopment needed?
This project presents a significant opportunity to revitalize an aging state public housing property in a desirable Marblehead location, close to amenities, mass transit options and schools. The redevelopment will rehabilitate a portion of existing duplexes and also construct up to 60 new mixed income and affordable units totaling +/-200 homes. The redeveloped community will bring the Town’s public housing up to modern standards while expanding housing options for the community.
How does this project align with community and state goals?
This project aligns with each component of the Town of Marblehead’s Housing Production Plan, specifically to:
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Create housing that allows seniors to remain in Marblehead and continue to live independently.
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Expand naturally affordable housing choices for a variety of households, including public employees, renters, young families, and households that are priced out of the market.
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Create deed-restricted affordable housing.
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Strengthen community relationships and build awareness of housing need.
The Marblehead Housing Authority has been contemplating the redevelopment of the Broughton Road site for years and has undertaken extensive planning, community meetings and public engagement to develop an appropriate strategy to address the Town’s housing needs. The Town’s Subsidized Housing Inventory stood at 3.85% as of August 2025. That is well below what the Commonwealth of Massachusetts would like. In addition to addressing the need for renovations, the Broughton Road project will significantly improve the Town’s SHI in a reasonable and attractive way.
How will this work be done?
The exact scope of work is under discussion. It is expected that some of the current duplexes will be demolished, and that new buildings will be built. Structural assessments are being conducted; heating and cooling systems are being inspected; and input and ideas are needed from the community before architectural and engineering firms can develop detailed plans.
What will happen to current public housing apartments?
All 62 existing public housing units will be replaced on a one-for-one basis with new or renovated apartment homes for current and future residents.
Will current residents be displaced?
The relocation plan and budget for the project will adhere to city, state and federal regulations that guarantee every public housing household the right to return to an appropriate public housing apartment.
For safety reasons, it is likely that every existing household will have to be temporarily relocated from their existing unit at some point while work is completed. Well before those temporary relocations occur, the development team and specialized relocation consultants will meet personally with each household to develop a relocation plan that meets their unique needs. Any costs associated with relocation will be paid for by the project, not by residents.
What will the redeveloped property look like?
The final architecture will reflect local designs and will fit in with the look and feel of the surrounding neighborhood in terms of both style and scale.
When will the redevelopment begin?
The start of work is several years away. Once detailed architectural and engineering plans are developed, Town boards will need to review and approve the project. With local approval in hand, WinnDevelopment and the MHA will work together to secure the public and private funding needed to finance construction.
How does Section 3A of the Zoning Act impact this project?
The outcome of the 3A issue will have no impact on this project. The MHA and WinnDevelopment will pursue permitting for this project under Chapter 40B, the state statute that enables local Zoning Boards of Appeals to approve affordable housing developments under flexible rules if at least 20-25% of the units have long-term affordability restrictions.
Will all apartments in the redeveloped property be affordable housing?
Yes. In addition to the replacement units built or renovated for public housing residents, additional units created will likely contain a mix of affordable housing and market rate housing, if it makes sense for the community and is financially feasible.
What would the rents be for apartments that are designated as affordable housing?
The rents for affordable housing would be income-restricted based on Area Median Income (AMI). The U.S, Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) determines and publishes the Area Median Income (AMI) for communities every year. The median income for a particular region is the midpoint, meaning that half of families in the region earn more than the median and half earn less than the median.
Households qualify for income-restricted rents based on their household size and income. The chart of the 2025 Income Limits for Marblehead appears below. (This AMI chart is only valid for 2025. HUD sets new AMI limits every year. The exact rents for income-restricted apartments at the redeveloped Broughton Road property will not be known until the apartments are built and ready for occupancy.)
Let's say a couple is looking to move with their two children into a two-bedroom apartment in Marblehead. The total number of people in their household is four. Their total annual gross income is $120,000. Based on the AMI chart above, their income is under 80% of AMI ($132,320 for 4 people). As of September 2025, this household would be eligible for a rent-restricted apartment at Broughton Road that is intended for households earning at or under 80% AMI.
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