Housing News Roundup

Falmouth: Non-profit receives $1M from state FALMOUTH --- The Falmouth Housing Corporation recently received a $1 million loan from the state's Affordable Housing Trust Fund to help construct 39 new units of housing. The Veterans' Park Apartment units are reserved for residents that are 55 or older with nine units designated as affordable for people earning at or below 30 percent of the area median income (AMI). Construction is set to begin on the complex in June.

Lunenburg: Construction begins on 204-unit development LUNENBURG ---Construction recently began on the first phase of the 204-unit Tri-Town Landing 40R development off Summer Street. The first phase of the project involves the new construction of 66 housing units, 60 of which will be reserved for low-income residents. Developers estimate that the first phase of construction will be complete within a year.

Chelmsford: HA proposes 8 units of veterans' housing CHELMSFORD --- The Chelmsford Housing Authority (CHA) recently proposed to ask Town Meeting representatives to appropriate $400,000 in Community Preservation funds to help build an eight-unit affordable housing duplex for veterans. The project, to be located at 9 Manahan Street, would create a first-and second-floor unit, each with four bedrooms and a shared living space.

Harvard: Developer receives $2.7 million in state/federal funds HARVARD --- Developer Lou Russo recently received news that his proposed affordable rental project, located at 196 Ayer Road, will receive over $2.7 million in state and federal financing. The Bowers Brook Housing for Senior project will consist of 42 rental units, all of which will be available to moderate-income senior and citizens with special needs. Russo expects construction to begin later this year.

Waltham: CPC gives $400,000 to 6-unit affordable project WALTHAM --- The Community Preservation Committee (CPC) recently approved $400,000 to supplement development costs on the renovation of an old factory building into affordable housing. The developers, Waltham Alliance to Create Housing (WATCH), plan on converting the former Beacon Valve factory at 2 Jackson Street into six, two-bedroom rental units, all affordable to residents earning below 60 percent of the area median income (AMI). The project still needs to receive state approval as well as approval from the local zoning board.

Acton/Stow: Local developer proposes 64 units on town line ACTON/STOW --- The Sweeney Family recently proposed the development of a homebuyer project on the Acton-Stowe line. The Highgrove Estates project is proposed to consist of 64 homebuyer units, 25 percent of which would be sold to low- and moderate-income buyers who earn between 70 and 80 percent of the area median income. The project is currently being reviewed to determine if it qualifies for a 40B project eligibility letter.

Provincetown: 50-unit project makes 2nd bid for tax credits PROVINCETOWN --- The affordable housing development company, Community Builders, says it will once again apply to the state for tax credits to fund the development of 50 units of affordable rental housing.

Kingston: Money, box turtles final straws for 'smart' development KINGSTON --- The developer of one of the biggest smart-growth projects in the state has announced he will not go forward with his 700-home, 300,000 square foott commercial project due to financing problems and permitting delays, including an appeal of recent decision regarding how the development could impact box turtles.

Boston: BRA approves 156 new residential units; 68 affordable BOSTON --- The Boston Redevelopment Authority (BRA) recently approved a residential building on a parcel owned by Brigham & Women's Hospital and a new residential complex in Allston. The residential complex on the Brigham & Women's parcel will consist of 136 units, 66 of which will be affordable rental units and 70 of which will be condominiums. The three-story Allston development will contain 20 condominium units, two of which will be designated as affordable.

Holliston: Title woes latest snag in bid to reuse school for housing HOLLISTON --- The town's attempt to turn the vacant Andrews School into affordable housing may have hit another snag after it was discovered that part of the school was built on property given to the town under the stipulation that it be used for a school. The town is hoping to clear the title by going through Land Court and getting special legislation.