Housing Headlines

CHARLESTOWN --- The first phase of what will be a more than $1.4 billion, decade-long overhaul at Charlestown's Bunker Hill public housing complex is underway. The plan calls for 2,699 apartments in 15 buildings — a combination of deeply affordable units and another 1,689 market-rate units, 7 acres of open space, new commercial space, and a community center. (Another 100 replacement units will be built elsewhere in Charlestown.) Crucially, the market-rate and affordable units will be mixed together, with no physical distinctions between them.

BEDFORD --- The deadline to apply for an affordable home opportunity in Bedford is Monday, August 21. The purchase price for the 3-bedroom home is $252,000, which is set to be affordable for eligible buyers at or below 60 percent of the Area Median Income. Contact Lara Plaskon at lara@rhsohousing.org for more information.

WORCESTER --- The Central Massachusetts Housing Alliance, a Worcester-based advocacy group, has sued the Town of Holden for defying the state’s new multifamily housing law — MBTA Communities. The filing to the state Supreme Judicial Court cites Holden officials’ public refusal to comply with the law — which mandates cities and towns with access to the MBTA zone for more multifamily housing capacity and states this position both exacerbates the housing shortage and undermines the law. Holden’s Select Board and town manager, Peter Lukes, have decried the law’s requirements as out of place for the community’s “single-family home neighborhoods,” and asserted that the new zoning requirements are presented in the law as optional.

STATE --- A small group of local officials, tenant advocates and renters came together in an effort led by Cambridge Rep. Mike Connolly to move toward putting a rent control revival on the 2024 ballot. If the campaign can clear procedural hurdles supporters might circumvent a hesitant legislature and let voters themselves decide. Real estate and landlord groups immediately began marshaling opposition to the measure, warning that it would stifle much-needed production of new housing.

STATE --- The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has launched a statewide survey to improve community health and help direct resources. The DPH said the survey findings will be used to provide access to social and economic opportunities that keep people healthy, including affordable housing. The 2023 Community Health Equity Survey will be available through early fall 2023.

CAMBRIDGE --- A recently completed 40-unit development in the Porter Square neighborhood of Cambridge has received more than 900 applications. Frost Terrace includes the restoration of three buildings containing four apartments apiece, and construction of a new building that contains 28 apartments. Units are reserved for households earning between 30 and 60 percent of area median income.