WEYMOUTH - May 4, 2026 - The long-stalled redevelopment of the former South Weymouth Naval Air Station is entering a “new day,” according to developers from New England Development. In a comprehensive update to the Town Council, officials revealed a massive $35 million state grant to overhaul infrastructure, a finalized route for the MWRA water pipeline, and plans for 3,000 new housing units. Most notably, developers hinted that the project will likely be rebranded, shedding the “Union Point” name to overcome “credibility issues” stemming from two decades of false starts.
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John Twohig and Paul Cincotta of New England Development presented a detailed roadmap for the base’s future, emphasizing that the project has finally secured permits that had been lapsed for over a decade. A major hurdle was cleared with the issuance of a conservation management permit to protect the eastern box turtle habitat—the second largest in Massachusetts—requiring the restoration of 102 acres of land and a 20-year maintenance plan.
The “lifeline” for the project remains the 6.7-mile MWRA water pipeline extension. Cincotta outlined a route originating in Braintree and traveling through Randolph to Weymouth’s Great Pond treatment facility. Funded by state grants, the $35 million investment also covers sewer and transportation improvements, including a significant reconfiguration of the Route 228 intersection in Rockland to streamline access to the base.
The initial phase of development focuses on the “Spine Road,” a mile-long stretch of new construction providing utilities for the “core area” near the Mastlight apartments. Developers have committed to 3,000 residential units, split roughly 50-50 between rentals and homes for sale. When questioned about school impacts, Twohig noted that current data from the 1,274 existing homes on the base shows only 65 school-age children, suggesting that the “empty nester” and townhome focus will minimize the burden on Weymouth schools.
Addressing the project’s reputation, Twohig was candid about the “negative headwinds” and the loss of a recent investor due to concerns over proposed rent control legislation.
“I’m going to guess that it probably will likely be changed and it won’t be Union Point going forward... we have to say this is a new day and a restart as to what we’re doing.” — John Twohig, Executive VP of New England Development
