Housing Headlines

QUINCY ---- Less than a year after the zoning board of appeals rejected an application by the Boncaldo family to build apartments with a Ch. 40B land use permit, the developer is back with another proposal, this time for 36 apartments. This would be the third attempt to develop the site on Warren Avenue as neighbors filed suit to stop a market-rate plan two years ago and the ZBA denied a 32-unit 40B application last June. The Boncaldo family has filed an appeal with the state, but their attorney told the Ledger the developer and city are in talks to resolve the issue.

NEWBURYPORT --- One year after the city approved the idea of creating multifamily housing near the commuter rail, MassDot is planning a public hearing on a developer's proposal to build 76 apartments on the site and the city's plans to allow it with its first-ever Ch. 40R smart growth overlay district.

WORCESTER --- With approximately 60 chronically homeless living on the streets or in a shelter, and fears that this number will rise, City Manager Ed Augustus announced he will be forming a task force of 20 to 25 members that will be tasked with coming up with a plan to provide permanent supportive housing for those in need.

BOSTON --- In an attempt to preemptive about gentrification and rising real estate prices, city officials and its partners are buying properties in Uphams Corner and hope to develop them based on recommendations from residents. In the last year, the city has bought the former Bank of America building and a land trust run by the Dudley Street Neighborhood Initiative has bought the former Citizens Bank branch.

Mayors from around the state joined Gov. Charlie Baker in signing a letter urging the federal government to extend benefits to more than 500 Puerto Rican evacuees, who are in danger of losing their housing this month if the Federal Emergency Management Agency does not reverse its decision to extend benefits. Mayors from Boston, Fall River, Holyoke, Lawrence, New Bedford, Springfield, and Worcester all signed the letter.

CHATHAM --- A zoning amendment that would allow property owners to build accessory dwelling units on their properties has sparked fierce debate, with the planning board chair and town planner saying it will create more housing opportunities and residents saying it will increase the number of units and overcrowd the town, especially since the bylaw does not require that the units be affordable. "It's a developer's dream. It's a neighbor's nightmare," said one resident.