Housing Headlines

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.

EVERETT --- With a strong history of producing affordable housing in Chelsea and then Revere, The Neighborhood Developers received a crucial OK in Everett recently as the zoning board of appeals approved TND's proposal to build 77 mixed-income apartments for seniors at the former St. Therese Church site on Broadway.

Veteran homebuyer educator Donna Cabana says one good byproduct of the 2008 housing crisis is that buyers are more interested in educating themselves before they buy. Programs like MHP ONe Mortgage require that buyers take a class prior to purchase.

MATTAPAN --- Longtime neighborhood advocates see the impending redevelopent of the boarded-up Cote Ford dealership as a symbol of renewed investment in Mattapan. To be developed into 76 mixed-income apartments, it's said to be the first project in Mattapan to receive federal low-income housing tax credits since 2006. By comparison, Dorchester has had nine since that time. The site is being co-developed by Carribean Integration Community Development and the Archdiocese's Planning Office for Urban Affairs.

Innovation Economy columnist Scott Kirsner drafts an imaginary letter that he would like to see Hub and state officials send to Massachusetts business owners. Second on the list behind transportation - lobby your local government to approve more workforce housing.