The Chelsea Housing Authority is proposing major repairs at the Buckley Apartments on Bloomingdale Street, including more than $1.28 million for new windows and balcony doors. The work is part of a broader plan that also raises questions about the authority’s finances and its ability to maintain aging public housing.

The authority’s proposed fiscal 2027 annual plan is available for public review ahead of a November 18 hearing. It covers state-assisted housing and outlines financial results, maintenance needs, and proposed construction projects.

What the financial figures show

One figure stands out: a $991,058 deficit reported in the authority’s 2024 financial results.

The budget table lists approximately $5.98 million in revenue and $6.97 million in expenses for that year. The deficit was significantly larger than the $298,960 shortfall originally budgeted.

There is an important distinction, however. The expense total includes approximately $969,707 in depreciation, an accounting expense that reflects the declining value of assets rather than an immediate cash payment. That accounts for most of the reported deficit.

The figures therefore deserve attention, but they should not be interpreted as proof that the authority spent nearly $1 million more in cash than it received.

The same financial tables show a projected $517,339 deficit in the approved 2025 budget. These are historical results and budget figures included in the proposed 2027 plan—not confirmed financial results for 2026 or 2027.

Buckley Apartments leads the repair priorities

For fiscal 2027, the authority proposes approximately $1.29 million in capital improvements. Almost all of that amount—$1,284,922—is designated for replacing windows and balcony doors at Buckley Apartments.

Built in 1961, Buckley contains 208 state-assisted apartments for older residents. Improvements to windows and exterior doors could help address drafts, weather exposure, and other challenges associated with an aging building.

Funding remains a significant consideration.

The plan identifies approximately $628,411 in available annual state formula funding for fiscal 2027, well below the total cost of the proposed projects. Additional funding or adjustments may be needed before all the work can proceed.

The authority’s longer-term proposals include repairs to Buckley’s carport and waste lines, landscaping and paving at Union Park, roof improvements at both senior developments, and a larger Buckley bathroom modernization project.

These are planning priorities, not guarantees that every project will be completed in the proposed year.

Other improvements are already listed as active projects, including façade and structural-support repairs at Buckley and roof work at Union Park.

Residents can weigh in

The annual plan covers 462 state-assisted apartments at Buckley, Union Park, Fitzpatrick, and Prattville. The authority also manages other housing assistance programs that are outside the scope of this particular state-aided plan.

Residents and community members can review the proposed plan in English or Spanish before the public hearing.

Public hearing details:

•  Date: Wednesday, November 18, 2026

•  Time: 8:30 a.m.

•  Location: Chelsea Housing Authority, 54 Locke Street, Chelsea

Comments may be submitted at the hearing or beforehand. The notice lists Executive Director Paul Nowicki’s email, pnowicki@chelseaha.com, and the main office number, 617-409-5320. Remote-access information is available on request at 617-409-5333.

For Buckley residents and other Chelsea families who depend on public housing, the proposed improvements are more than budget entries. They concern the condition of the buildings people call home—and how those buildings will be maintained in the years ahead.