Housing Headlines

HAMILTON --- A study group formed at recent town meetings in Hamilton and Wenham is looking at whether the two towns should spend $14 million to buy all parcels on Longmeadow Way for use as athletic fields or new schools. Part of the land is currently being eyed for an affordable housing development by the nonprofit Harborlight Community Partners, as part of an agreement with the town to explore housing development opportunities. This effort has stalled due to resistance from residents living near the proposed sites.

In an article tackling California's enduring housing crisis, a nonprofit policy journal dedicated to uncovering solutions turns to Massachusetts and asks if its controversial Ch. 40B housing law is the solution the Golden State needs. In the article, Preservation of Affordable Housing Executive Director Aaron Gornstein,who while at CHAPA led a broad-based effort to defeat a ballot question to repeal 40B, said, "It should be viewed as an important tool, but not the only tool. I don’t want to overplay it. This isn’t a magic bullet. But it certainly will help.”

FALMOUTH --- The 20-unit housing proposal that generated some pointed questions from residents and ensuing rebukes from Zoning Board of Appeals members and local newspapers appears to be moving forward, as the ZBA has given a preliminary nod to developer's application for a Ch. 40B comprehensive land-use permit.

DANVERS --- At the North Shore Chamber of Commerce's annual state of the region event, Salem Mayor Kim Driscoll and Beverly Mayor Michael Cahill made it clear that despite an uptick in apartment development, the demand for affordable housing has not been met. "As we become a more desirable place, we need to make sure housing is available for all of the people who want to live in our community," said Driscoll. Added Cahill: "Housing is a key for everything," he said. "We need housing in Beverly. We know that with the baby boomers retiring and the retirement population getting bigger than the working population, we need more housing options."

WORCESTER --- While there are still problems, there are signs that Worcester's notorious Main South neighborhood is changing thanks to a concerted effort by the city, police, Clark University, the Boys and Girls Club and the Main South CDC.

BEVERLY --- Saying that the Cabot Street YMCA gymnasium has been underutilized for awhile, the YMCA of the North Shore and Harborlight Community Partners may team up to replace it with 20 new affordable apartments while also financing the renovation of the 45 existing units.