BOSTON—State officials are pouring taxpayer funds into a controversial initiative that some are hailing as a necessary step towards climate-resilient housing, while others question the effectiveness of these costly upgrades. Seven affordable housing developments in the city are set to receive a whopping $20.5 million from the Climate Ready Housing (CRH) grant program, with projects spanning neighborhoods from Roxbury to Dorchester.

The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced the funding today, with Chief of Housing Sheila A. Dillon expressing gratitude for the state’s investment. “By embedding energy efficiency and decarbonization into affordable housing development, we’re protecting residents from rising costs,” Dillon said.

But amidst the praise, critics are raising eyebrows about how effectively this money will be used. The grant will support upgrades for over 275 units, including full insulation and electrification, with claims that these measures could reduce energy use by as much as 68 percent in some cases. Yet, with Boston's housing needs at an all-time high, is this the best way to allocate state resources?

Projects like the Seaver Street Apartments in Roxbury are earmarked for a deep energy retrofit projected to cut energy consumption by 58 percent. Meanwhile, the Franklin Field Apartments in Dorchester aim to completely electrify their buildings, replacing outdated gas systems with a geothermal heating network. Sounds impressive, but residents are left wondering: Will this truly enhance their living conditions, or is it just a green façade?

The CRH program, created through the 2021 Economic Development Bond Bill, has been expanded under the 2024 Affordable Homes Act, yet the overall investment could raise questions about accountability. “Climate Ready Housing helps owners tackle big-ticket upgrades,” Secretary of Housing and Livable Communities Ed Augustus stated, but at what cost to taxpayers?

As the state moves forward with this ambitious plan, the scrutiny over how these funds will be managed is intensifying. With over 1,000 units potentially affected by this funding, the stakes are high. Can the Healey-Driscoll Administration deliver results without spiraling costs and inefficiencies? Only time will tell.