Housing Headlines

SANDWICH --- The town's Community Preservation Committee has voted to support a Cape-wide educational effort to teach local officials about ways to increase affordable housing, a show of support that will need final approval from spring town meeting voters. The vote came after a presentation by Laura Reckford of the Housing Assistance Corporation of Cape Cod. HAC is one of the nonprofits behind the Cape Housing Institute, which is modeled after MHP's Housing Institute for local officials.

SHELBURNE --- A recent housing survey done by the Franklin Regional Council of Governments found that 54 percent of Shelburne's households fall within federal income limits for affordable housing while less than six percent of the town's housing supply is affordable.

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.