Housing Headlines

SWANSEA --- Saying they were drawn to the area due to its economic potential and proximity to Providence and Fall River, Ken Chase and Matt Zucker of Newton-based New Meadow Development appeared before the zoning board of appeals recently to discuss plans and answer questions about their application for a Ch. 40B comprehensive land use permit so they can build 144 apartments off Route 6.

BROCKTON --- The city council has voted to advance for a third reading and vote a home rule petition that would exempt Brockton from a state law that expedites the sale of properties that have been seized for back taxes. If approved, the city council would get to review lists of tax delinquent properties for sale and vote whether to keep them, sell them or add restrictions. Right now, authority lies with the mayor and the city's real estate custodian.

SCITUATE --- A 12-year-old mixed-use zoning bylaw has Scituate's longtime Cape Verdean neighborhood feeling squeezed, with residents saying increased development has disrupted local businesses and raised fears that more developments will drive them from their modest homes.

TRURO --- Three years after a similar proposal was defeated, selectman have asked the town to craft a new zoning bylaw that would allow for seasonal cottages to be converted for year-round occupancy. The measure would impact 515 condo units.

LENOX --- HallKeen Management has completed the renovation of the former Cameron House assisted living facility into 38 mixed-income, independent living apartments for adults 55 and older, thanks in large part to federal and state low-income housing tax credits awarded by the state Dept. of Housing and Community Development. Built in 1908, the building was originally the town's second high school, and served as a school until 1990s, when it was closed and turned into an assisted living facility.

QUINCY --- Rents are expected to rise in the city's mid-size apartment buildings as tax assessments for properties between eight to 50 units have jumped by a median of 22 percent compared to 2017.