Housing Headlines

STOCKBRIDGE --- In an attempt to attract more year-round residents, Select Board Chair Patrick White has crafted a proposal that would allow property owners to add accessory dwelling apartments. More than half of the town's homes are owned by non-residents.

Everett City Councilor Stephanie Martins has proposed a change to the city's inclusionary zoning law that would require any development of six units or more to include affordable housing. Currently, the law requires that developments of 10 units or more must be 15 percent affordable.

A Superior Court judge has ruled that neighbors appealing the issuance of a comprehensive permit for a 76-unit mixed-income condominium project must post a $35,000 bond to cover the costs that the developer might incur in defending against the appeal. The court has a right to require a bond under a provision added to the state zoning act in 2020.

HARVARD --- The Town of Harvard will open hearings later this month on a proposal to create a smart growth zoning district that would allow Minco Development to move forward with plans to build 243 mixed-income apartments that would addmuch-needed rental housing and could possilby help the town comply with the state's new multifamily zoning requirement for MBTA communities.

SHREWSBURY --- Pulte Homes of New England has informed the town that it plans to seek a Ch. 40B comprehensive land use permit so it can build a 300-unit mixed-income condominium community. The proposal includes 30 three-bedroom homes for families, which one town official hopes to reduce so as to minimize impact on town services.

SWAMPSCOTT --- The town is hoping to create more housing and services for veterans as it will ask voters at spring town meeting to OK the purchase of a commercial property next to the VFW post. The town's plan is to build 30 to 40 units on the property and work with the VFW to build a new post on its site, which is already owned by the town.