Housing Headlines

PROVINCETOWN --- At least three town officials are questioning the selectmen's decision to seek data showing that at least 1.5 percent of the town's habitable land is used for affordable housing, which if so would give the town greater latitude over Ch. 40B applications like the current proposal for 350 Bradford St., which has stirred significant resident opposition.

NEW BEDFORD --- Standard-Times reporters Kathleen McKiernan and Mike Lawrence portray what life is like in a long-standing homeless camp, which has drawn public attention recently after a series of assaults brought police to the site and revealed that a young child was among the dozen or so people living there. Mayor Jon Mitchell has called for a meeting with homeless advocacy organizations to see what can be done to help the people who have been living on this property for years.

LAWRENCE --- Part of a city block ravaged by a 2008 fire is now a 10-unit home for veterans thanks to a partnership between the city, a Haverhill-based veterans group and Housing Support Inc. of Newburyport.

BOSTON --- Almost a month after failing to get support from the Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Council, developers proposing to build 76 apartments at 3200 Washington St. have asked the city's zoning board of appeals for a delay so it can finalize its proposal. Local residents have complained that the project is too big and does not include enough affordable units.

GRAFTON --- Selectmen have voted 3-2 not to reappoint Edward Prisby to the town's affordable housing trust committee. Prisby had questioned the town's decision to place $900,000 won in a profit dispute with a 40B developer into the town's general fund as opposed to the housing trust.

SUDBURY --- The town recently broke ground on the construction of three affordable homes that will be sold to families earning less than 80 percent median income. The Sudbury Housing Trust has hired Transformation Inc. to build the homes on Maynard Road. A stand-alone home will sell for $180,800 while each unit in a duplex will ell for $162,700.