‘Affordable’ rates $2,226 to $2,946 in 116-unit project 

By Theresa Knapp 

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on Aug. 12 for a 116-unit affordable housing project proposed for 55 West Union Street (Route 135) at the intersection of Memorial Drive. 

All documents related to the ZBA filing can be found at www.ashlandmass.com/1273/55-West-Union-Street---40B-Comprehensive. 

According to the application form, the owner is “55 West Union LLC” located at 60 Pleasant St., Ashland. It lists the applicant, manager, and owner as John C. Dudley of United Home Experts at the same address. In the application packet, Dudley describes himself as a real estate developer, community leader, and construction expert. 

Dudley’s company purchased the 4.9-acre parcel in October 2023 for $1.1 million. 

According to the project narrative, “The applicant proposes to build one four-story elevator building offering a total of 116 rental units, including 87 units at market and 29 units income-restricted in perpetuity to households earning at or below 80% of area median income.”

The unit mixes, sizes, and rents include: 

72 one-bedroom units (800 square feet): 54 at market value {MV] ($2,300), 18 at 80% of AMI [Area Median Income] ($2,226); 

32 two-bedroom units (1,050 sf): 24 at MV ($2,800), 8 at 80% AMI ($2,603); and 

12 three-bedroom units (1,380 sf): 9 at MV ($3,300), 3 at 80% AMI ($2,946). 

The entrance/exit to the complex would be off Memorial Drive. The site has access to public water, sewer, and natural gas. 

In its application to Mass Housing (whose approval is necessary for 40B eligibility), the applicant stated, “The immediate surroundings also include some single-family homes, local schools, and public open spaces. Notable nearby landmarks include Ashland Middle School, the Ashland Upper Charles Trail, and Ashland State Park. A planned expansion for the MetroWest YMCA is intended to be located across the street from the Site, on Memorial Drive next to the Dunkin Donuts. Overall, the Site is able to successfully integrate into existing development patterns and is well positioned to support the proposed multifamily residential use.”

According to the Mass Housing application, construction costs are expected to be over $33 million. 

The ZBA hearing will take place on Aug. 12 at or around 7 p.m. For the exact time (not available at press time), and project documents, visit www.ashlandmass.com/316/Zoning-Board-of-Appeals.