Housing Headlines

A Gloucester Times editorial voices concern that not enough is being done to help seniors live in their homes or provide supportive housing for those who need an alternative. The editorial points to Hamilton residents who are fighting the construction of 12 senior units as an example of an inability to get things done.

QUINCY --- In a story that takes a hard look at how low-income and senior residents may be getting left behind in Quincy's housing boom, reporter Erin Tiernan notes that developers opting to pay into a fund rather than include affordable homes in their projects have put over $21 million into the city's housing trust fund and that the city has spent $7.7 million to build 373 affordable homes.

FRAMINGHAM --- Homeless for the past five years, a 22-year-old graduate of Keef Tech Regional High School has a new apartment and a new lease on life thanks to the South Middlesex Opportunity Council and a state program that provides grants to help homeless young people secure housing.

WORCESTER --- Lt. Governor Karyn Polito, Housing and Economic Development Secretary Mike Kennealy, and Housing and Community Development Undersecretary Janelle Chan were in Worcester today to announce $68 million in funding for the creation of over 600 units in 9 projects across the state.

BROCKTON --- Even as activists say rising home prices have begun to displace longtime residents, the City of Champions continues to rank among the state’s most affordable places to live. With median rental prices of $1,250 for a 1-bedroom apartment, and $1,530 for a 2-bedroom, Brockton edged out Lawrence, Worcester, Lowell, and Quincy in terms of affordability.

SHELBURNE --- In a move designed to help the town achieve its goal of having 10 percent of its housing supply be affordable, the planning board will present a zoning proposal that would reduce the minimum lot size in certain village districts from 20,000 square feet to 5,000 to 8,000 square feet.