Housing Headlines

YARMOUTH --- With developers having already secured permitting and funding to redevelop the Cavalier Motel into housing, selectmen moved to position a second Rt. 28 motel site for more housing, voting 3-2 to support Commonwealth Community Developers' efforts to pursue permits and funding for a 40-unit affordable housing plan for the former Yarmouth Gardens Motor Lodge.

WAYLAND --- In response to feedback from residents and town officials, Eden Management has revised its 60-unit plan, going from three to four stories in an L shape so that the structure is farther away from Pine Brook. The developers are seeking a Ch. 40B comprehensive land use permit to build the housing since the land is not zoned for multifamily. The ZBA plans to take up the project again on Jan. 25 at Wayland High School.

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.