Housing Headlines

LOWELL --- Thanks to veterans programs in the city and transitional homes like Crescent House, Mayor Edward Kennedy said this week that all homeless vets in the city have been housed, capping his administration's two-year effort to end veteran homelessness. According to the city, since Sept. 2015, more than 100 veterans and their families have received housing services. Lowell is the second city in the state to end veterans homelessness, the other being Lynn.

NATICK --- With more than 10 percent of its housing affordable due in large part to its willingness to permit multifamily housing near Route 9 and the shopping mall, the Town of Natick may soon be considering a Ch. 40B comprehensive land use permit from a developer who says allowing the 125-unit project will keep the town over 10 percent for years to come. Cloverleaf Mall and Cloverleaf Apartments developer Josh Katzen is pitching to build 125 more apartments on Speen St. north of Route 9 and near access to the Mass Pike.

METHUEN --- In its ongoing effort to build a regional housing plan, the Merrimack Valley Planning Commission held a workshop at the library recently, where 25 residents voiced their concern about the supply of affordable housing for seniors and young people hoping to remain in the community or set down roots near family or where they work. During the discussion, MVPC staffers Mike Paquette and Karen Conrad presented statistics that showed that 48 percent of Methuen's population is over 45, and 24 percent is over 60. About 28 percent is between 20 and 44.

LEOMINSTER --- Empty since the 1990s, the Carter Junior High may finally spring back to life now that the nonprofit NewVue Communities has received a significant funding commitment from the Baker Administration so it can proceed with plans to develop the school into 39 affordable apartments. "The Carter building has been a contentious item in this city for decades, and I'm glad to see this proposal come to fruition," said City Councilor Richard Marchand. "The concerns of the neighborhood have always been on the table, and I think we're all pleased with this."

SUDBURY --- The Sudbury Housing Trust's effort to turn a one-acre lot into three affordable homeownership opportunities is nearing completion as a lottery will be held on Aug. 31 to determine who will get the chance to buy one of two duplex units selling for $178,700. A single-family affordable home on the same site was sold last year. The project was delayed when the original developer went bankrupt but the project was finished by Property Acquisition Group.

DORCHESTER --- State and local leaders gathered recently in Dorchester for a groundbreaking ceremony for Harmon Apartments, a new 36-unit accessible supportive affordable apartment complex that will allow disabled residents to live independently. Developed by Affirmative Investments, the project will feature 26 one-bedroom and 10 two-bedroom apartments.