Housing Headlines

WEYMOUTH --- The chairman of the regional board charged with overseeing the redevelopment of the former South Weymouth Naval Air Station says the master developer has failed to make at least $80,000 in payments to maintain the property's major roadway and has instead shifted those costs to property owners.

AMHERST --- The Valley Community Development Corp. is planning to buy a one-acre site near the Amherst College athletic fields, with the long-term plan of securing funding to develop the town's first single-room lodging house for extremely low-income individuals.

WEYMOUTH --- The zoning board will continue its hearing on a proposal by John M. Corcoran Company to build 237 market-rate apartments and 6,000 square feet of commercial space at 1,500 Main St. behind Charlie's Finer Diner and near the South Weymouth commuter rail station and housing within Union Point, the development at the former South Weymouth Naval Air Station.

ROCHESTER --- Reasoning that it's better than leaving the town open to a Ch. 40B development proposal, selectmen voted to allow Steen Realty Development to move forward with its plans to work with the state and town on pursuing Ch. 40R zoning so it can build 208 apartments.

IPSWICH --- The Bruni 40B plan for 28-44 Essex Road has been enlarged to include the Bruni property housing the retail stores Zenobia, Dip ‘N’ Clip, Sterling Cleaners and The Equestrian Shop.The new proposal means housing in the mixed-use project has now increased from 184 to 200 rental units. (Note: The developer received a project eligibility letter from MHP, which the developer needs in order to apply to the town for a Ch. 40B comprehensive land use permit).

LAWRENCE --- In its ongoing effort to revitalize the North Canal part of the city, Lawrence Community Works has purchased the 4.8 acre Ultimate Windows site at 20 Island Street and plans to turn it into 80 affordable apartments. The purchase continues LCW's efforts to revitalize this part of the city, coming on the heels of developing two nearby mills into Union Crossing and Duck Mill at Union Crossing.