Fall River Approved Tax Exemptions for Housing Projects

The city authorized tax incentives for three residential developments expected to add over 200 rental units.

Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Apartments

Fall River Approved Tax Exemptions for Housing Projects

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Do you support providing tax breaks to developers to increase the supply of local housing?

The Fall River Tax Increment Financing Board has approved tax exemption agreements for three major housing redevelopment projects. These initiatives are slated to create more than 200 new rental units across the city.

Why it matters

These tax-increment exemptions are designed to support developers who are utilizing Housing Development Incentive Programs and historic tax credits to rehabilitate aging infrastructure. The initiative aims to transform vacant or underused sites into functional housing stock.

The TIF Board approved tax exemptions at 80% for the first five years and 20% for the next five years. The projects include a $21 million investment for 49 units, a $65 million rehabilitation for 147 units, and a $4 million retrofit for 16 studio units.

The players

Fall River Tax Increment Financing Board

This municipal body manages tax-increment exemption agreements to encourage residential and commercial redevelopment within Fall River.

The details

The development projects include the Thomas Alva Edison Building at 138 Hartwell Street, the Charlton Mill Lofts at 109 Howe Street, and the Cornell Lofts at 650 Plymouth Avenue. Each project has secured necessary special permits and tax support to facilitate the conversion of historic or condemned structures into modern residential spaces.

Charlton Mill was originally constructed in 1911.
The former Frank Silvia School site was condemned in March 2025.
The Zoning Board granted a special permit for the Edison building project in March 2026.
The TIF Board approved the tax exemption agreements in October 2026.

Culture Shift

The transition from industrial and institutional land use toward residential housing reflects a broader urban revitalization trend in New England mill cities. These projects capitalize on the National Register of Historic Places status to repurpose aging structures for modern living demands.

Residents in the area can expect future construction activity at the three development sites as these projects move toward completion. These new units may eventually increase the local rental housing inventory and transform currently condemned or vacant landmarks.

The takeaway

The approval of these tax exemptions highlights the city's focus on converting historic and condemned sites into usable rental housing. Prospective renters should monitor these projects for future updates regarding unit availability and leasing timelines.