Housing Headlines

WORCESTER --- The director of the Baker Administration's new Housing Choice Program was in Worcester recently to explain how the new initiative can help communities increase housing production and help the state reach its production goal of 135,000 new units by 2025. MHP's Clark Ziegler made an introductory presentation, using analysis from MHP's Center for Housing Data to explain why more housing is needed for new workers who will replace older workers who will be leaving the work force but remaining in their homes.

WORCESTER --- In his regular weekend column, city reporter Nick Kotsopoulos dives into the numbers to show why Mayor Joseph Petty's third inaugural address was focused more on housing than the previous two. One of the more interesting stats he pulled is that while the percent in vacant units in the city has dropped from 11 to 9.4 percent, there are still 7,148 units empty in the city.

SHREWSBURY --- The town's assistant town manager testified before the Joint Committee on Housing recently in support of a measure filed on behalf of the town that would allow 48 mobile homes to be included in the town's affordable housing inventory. The town official also told the Telegram its working on a housing production plan.

SCITUATE --- More than 10 years after it first proposed new housing on Chief Justice Highway, Herring Brook Meadow LLC and developer Bob Engler are back again, this time proposing to use a Ch. 40B comprehensive permit to build 48 apartments in two four-story buildings. The developer originally sought to build 60 units and eventually received in 2014 a comprehensive permit after an eight-year court battle. The revised plan will need ZBA approval.

WEYMOUTH --- The authority overseeing the redevelopment of the former South Weymouth Naval Air Station has hired Cape Cod Commission Executive Director Paul Niedzwiecki as its new director at a salary that is more than any public administrator makes in Weymouth, Rockland or Abington, the three towns that the base land covers.

PROVINCETOWN --- An 11-year Provincetown resident who has often held several jobs but struggles to find permanent housing has bought a $16,000, 200-square-foot tiny home which she hopes will provide impetus for the town to reverse its objections and figure out a way to allow them in the community.