Worcester housing trust awards $1.35 million for 74 affordable homes

The Worcester Affordable Housing Trust Fund has awarded $1.35 million to support development of 74 affordable homes across the city, a move city officials say will expand the housing stock as Worcester grapples with rising costs.

TOWN HALL

City Manager Eric D. Batista's office announced the Worcester Affordable Housing Trust Fund will direct $1.35 million toward the development of 74 affordable homes, according to a City of Worcester announcement. The funding is aimed at supporting new affordable housing projects citywide, part of the city's ongoing push to add housing stock amid regional affordability pressures.

Separately, health officials confirmed that West Nile virus was detected in mosquitoes collected from a trap site in Worcester, prompting plans for pesticide spraying in affected areas, according to information shared through a Facebook post from the City of Worcester.

COMMUNITY & ARTS

Worcester's food scene got a national nod this week: USA Today included George's Coney Island Hot Dogs among the best hot dog spots in America, a distinction highlighted in a Wicked Local report. The recognition adds to Worcester's growing reputation as a destination for classic New England eats.

Volunteers are being sought for another water chestnut pull at Lake Quinsigamond this month, with the City of Worcester organizing the effort to remove the invasive aquatic plant, according to a Patch report circulated via Google Alerts. The volunteer removal effort is part of ongoing lake management work targeting nuisance vegetation in the Quinsigamond watershed.

ELSEWHERE IN THE NEWS

"Endangered senior missing after being dropped off at Worcester, Massachusetts, Walmart" — Grafton police are seeking the public's help locating an endangered missing senior last seen at a Worcester Walmart, according to WCVB (read it at https://www.wcvb.com/article/endangered-senior-grafton-police-worcester/72612537).

"Man Charged In Fatal Canoe Incident That Killed Holy Cross Student" — A Long Island man has been charged months after a canoe capsized in Connecticut, killing a College of the Holy Cross student, according to Patch (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/worcester/ny-man-charged-after-holy-cross-student-s-canoe-death).

"Pregnant Woman Among 2 Pedestrians Hit On Belmont Street In Worcester" — Two women were hospitalized after being struck while crossing Belmont Street on a recent Thursday, according to Worcester police cited by Patch (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/worcester/2-women-struck-while-crossing-belmont-street-worcester).

"USA TODAY says George's Coney Island Hot Dogs among 'best in America'" — Worcester's George's Coney Island Hot Dogs earned a spot on USA Today's national list of standout hot dog destinations, according to Wicked Local (read it at https://www.wickedlocal.com/story/lifestyle/food/2026/07/15/usa-today-says-georges-coney-island-hot-dogs-worcester-ma-among-best-in-america/90711693007/).

"Another Water Chestnut Pull Planned At Lake Quinsigamond" — The City of Worcester is organizing another volunteer effort this month to pull invasive water chestnut plants from Lake Quinsigamond, according to Patch (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/worcester/another-water-chestnut-pull-planned-lake-quinsigamond).

COMING UP

Volunteers interested in the next Lake Quinsigamond water chestnut removal effort, organized by the City of Worcester, should watch for a date announcement later this month, per Patch reporting.