Housing Headlines

WORCESTER --- The Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Economic Development Coordinating Council announced Wednesday that they've hired Mahesh Ramachandran of Smart Growth Economics to produce a city-wide housing study.

FALMOUTH --- A town-approved Ch. 40B housing proposal that aims to provide 21 market-rate homes and seven affordable selling for about $218,000 will be put on hold as neighbors have filed suit against the Zoning Board of Appeals, challenging that Aspen Group's Little Pond Village at Falmouth Heights will place a burden on a section of Alma Road that has been a private way.

BOSTON --- Core Investment's long-talked about plan to build a 600 apartments in Andrew Square has taken a step forward with the announcement that it is adding Samuels & Associates to its development team. Samuels is best known for its development of Boylston St. near Fenway Park.

LEOMINSTER --- State and local leaders gathered recently for a groundbreaking ceremony marking the beginning of the makeover of the 114-year-old Carter Junior High into 39 affordable apartments. The region's housing non-profit, NewVue Communities, is developing the brick school, using federal and state low-income housing and historic tax credits. The building served as the city's high school until 1963 before becoming a junior high. It has been closed since 1984. (Note: MHP has committed $500,000 in long-term financing from it's bank-funded loan pool).

SOUTH YARMOUTH --- State and local leaders gathered with developer Dakota Partners on Mon., Sept. 17 to celebrate the start of construction at Yarmouth Commons, a 69-apartment ,100 percent affordable development on the Route 28 site of the former Cavalier Motor Lodge. The Town of Yarmouth was integral to the project: it passed a zoning bylaw in 2006 encouraging the redevelopment of motels and has committed $2 million from its local housing trust. (Note: MHP's Laura Shufelt provided technical assistance to the town and MHP has committed $3.8M in long-term financing).

HUDSON --- Saying the historic overlay district's limit of 130 to 140 apartments is too restrictive, local developer George Danis has withdrawn plans to raze three Tower St. industrial buildings and develop 270 apartments.