Housing Headlines

MASHPEE ---- For the first time, the state has partnered with the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe on affordable housing. In an announcement on Dec. 27, the state Department of Housing and Community Development announced that it would provide a $1 million grant and state and federal tax credits to support the construction of 42 rental units on tribal land in Mashpee. The funding capped an effort that was over a decade in the making, completing the vision of Alice Lopez, the tribe's first housing director who died in 2011.

BOLTON --- Given the demand for affordable housing in the region and the lack of it in the small town of Bolton, interest is expected to be high for the lottery for a $167,900 affordable condo at Craftsman Village.

SALEM --- Gov. Charlie Baker's plan to push legislation that would make it easier for cities and towns to change zoning by requiring a simple majority vote rather than the current two-thirds requirement is receiving good initial reviews from the Mass. Municipal Association.

Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito was in Holyoke on Dec. 19 to announce Baker Administration support for six affordable housing proposals around the state, including the plan to turn Yarmouth's Cavalier Motel site into 69 apartments and the Campbell-Purcell property plan in Eastham that will create 65 affordable apartments.

FRAMINGHAM --- Wary of the 1,600 units permitted or proposed and also cognizant of the looming change to a city form of government, the chairman of the Zoning Board of Appeals voted against a zoning change that would have allowed National Development to build 360 units on its 9/90 commercial site that currently hosts the Staples' headquarters. The vote was 2-1 in favor but National Development needed a unanimous vote to get the zoning change.

HOLYOKE --- Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito came to Holyoke on Dec. 19 to announce Baker Administration support of six affordable housing projects around the state, including funding for the 130-apartment North Square at the Mill District mixed-use development.