that the biggest challenge is the lack of “missing middle” housing including downsizing options for older residents and entry-level homes for young families. Billerica remains more affordable than many nearby communities, with median home prices sitting around $650,000. “The way that this suburban community has been built out is a home on an acre of land,” Malgieri points out.“If you were to look at other towns in the Boston metro area, you don’t get an acre of land for even $800,000.” Billerica continues to invest in critical infrastructure, expanding the municipal sewer system to cover nearly 88 percent of the community over the last decade. Additionally, a twenty year capital water improvement plan is in place, funded at $3 million annually, with strong support from the Select Board. Road maintenance is another priority, with about $4 million invested each year from a mix of state and municipal funding.“There’s over 26 square miles in Billerica, so we have a lot of roads to pave. That $4 million allows us to put a big dent in it every single year, which is great,” Maynard acknowledges. Billerica is also investing in a new Department of 43 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 10 BILLERICA, MA
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