Housing Headlines

MARLBOROUGH --- City officials are considering a zoning overlay district for Marlboro Airport, a decision that could pave the way for the construction of a 114-unit retirement village. Several Urban Affairs Committee members have said they are on the fence about the proposed overlay district.Councilors must approve the district before Southborough-based Capital Group Properties - which has an agreement to buy the nearly 20-acre airport land from owner Sandy Stetson - can apply for a special permit.

SOUTHBOROUGH --- A local builder was the only respondent to a request for proposals by the town to buy the Fayville Village Hall. Bartolini Builders bid $5,000 to purchase the property and is proposing to build at least three condos, two of which would be afffordable and would satisfy the builder's obligation to build affordable housing on another site the company is developing. The town's RFQ included 13 conditions, including that the winning bidder determine whether a septic system can be built on the site.

KINGSTON --- On Tuesday June 26, Kingston town meeting voters will consider whether to approve a mixed-use zoning overlay district that would allow developers to build a mixture of residential, retail, commercial, entertainment and mixed-use developments off Kingston Collection Way. Approval for the zoning change must be passed by a two-thirds vote.

AMHERST -- Gov. Charlie Baker and other officials were among nearly 100 people who filled a tent and spilled out onto the lawn Thursday afternoon to celebrate the groundbreaking for North Square at the Mill District, a 130-unit housing project that includes 26 affordable homes.

CHARLTON --- In the face of protests from the community regarding the sale of his 94-acre farm to an company that will grow cannabis, Charlton Orchards owner Nathan Benjamin told selectmen that if the board does not uphold its initial approval, he will consider other options, including selling his land to a 40B housing developer.

With housing supply low and prices on the rice, the Massachusetts housing market is under stress, a problem that is being exacerbated by a rise in short-term rentals, especially by commercial entities owning multiple properties.