Housing Headlines

DORCHESTER --- The former site of the popular Phillips Old Colony House and Freeport Tavern at 780 Morrissey Boulevard is being eyed by New Jersey-based Michaels Development as a site for a new six-story, 200-unit apartment complex.

FRAMINGHAM --- A local man was arrested after he allegedly sent text messages to a friend that included several racial statements and a threat to burn down the South Middlesex Opportunity Council, the region's largest provider of services to low-income and disadvantaged individuals. The suspect was released on bail and ordered by the judge to stay away from SMOC, where he has been receiving unspecified services.

HOPKINTON --- A decade after the town rezoned a 900-acre former nursery site to allow 1,400 units and 500 acres of open space, the town is wrestling with the outcome - growing schools, traffic, an affordable housing supply of over 10 percent and three approved tax under-rides that have given back over $3 million to taxpayers. The Legacy Farms units “are selling for a lot more money than anyone envisioned 15 years ago, and they're bringing in way more tax money than anyone thought they would," said Ken Weismantel, former chair of the planning board.

BEVERLY --- A standing-room only crowd of over 100 residents packed City Hall for a planning board meeting held to discuss a developer's plan to build a $45 million, 111-unit, C-shaped, six-story building for downtown Beverly. Some spoke in favor of the project but many voiced concern about its size, even though the project is considered the centerpiece of Beverly Crossing's other upscale apartments along Rantoul Street and near the commuter rail.

ADAMS --- Following a planning board meeting in which a single mother was reportedly ridiculed and told to move out of town after she indicated support affordable housing, the Berkshire Eagle lambasted members of the audience for fear mongering and social media misinformation which the paper said served to fuel hostilities at the meeting.

BRAINTREE --- As the town continues to debate how much new development should come to Braintree, residents spoke out in staunch opposition to a proposal by resident Paul Holland to build 70 apartments and eight condos in Braintree Square. One resident said the project, if built, would destroy the "quaintness" of the town while Mayor Joseph Sullivan asked the developers to withdraw their application for a Ch. 40B land use permit.