Housing Headlines

SALEM --- Harborlight Community Partners' efforts to increase housing for the homeless is nearly halfway to fruition as 12 homeless or formerly homeless residents moved into newly renovated apartments at 43 Boston Street in January.The Beverly-based North Shore nonprofit bought this property and another property at 179 Boston Street nine months ago and is rehabbing both buildings. Executive Director Andrew DeFranza said 14 apartments at 179 Boston Street are expected to be ready by this summer.

SUDBURY --- 10 years, two developers and a bankruptcy later, the Sudbury Housing Trust's dream of providing homeownership opportunities finally came true as three homebuyers moved into affordable condominiums on Maynard Road. Significant local support helped the project as the town put in $875,000 in Community Preservation Act funds to purchase the property and support demolition, renovation and construction.

WEST SPRINGFIELD --- Since Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico, 84 evacuee students have come to West Springfield, a situation that has the city council calling for state aid and one city councilor saying "it's like a tsunami that's hit our school system." Most of the homeless evacuees are living in hotels and motels, which will likely mean significant room tax revenues, said Mayor William Reichelt.

HAMILTON --- Despite having the necessary town approvals to proceed with a senior affordable housing complex at the Mac's Shoe Repair Shop site on Willow Street, regional nonprofit Harborlight Community Partners is remaining firm on its pledge that it will not move forward on this project until the town gives it a green light to build affordable housing for families on another site in town. “We said when we submitted the bid on Willow (Street), we’d do it if there’s a sister site,” said Andrew DeFranza, executive director of Harborlights.

BOSTON --- Appearing on CBS Boston's Keller at Large, new Boston City Council President Andrea Campbell told host Jon Keller that one of the largest problems she will focus on is access to affordable housing. Campell was responding to a question by Keller about what is the largest problem in her district, which is comprised of Dorchester and Mattapan, as well as parts of Roslindale and Jamaica Plain. “We have to think about all strategies that will work to create units of housing so it’s not just about building more units, it’s about having a regional approach and I think he’s doing that,” she said.

TRURO --- Following last year's approval of a zoning amendment that limits the size of new construction within the town's National Seashore District, the Town of Truro is holding public forums to see how residents feel about an amendment that would extend the restriction townwide.