Housing Headlines

FALMOUTH --- In its continuing efforts to figure out ways to add affordable housing for year-round residents, the Falmouth Planning Board is planning to re-draft its longstanding multi-family conversion bylaw which allows large single-family homes to be converted into as many as four apartments. The desire to amend the bylaw comes from a 2014 study that recommended that the bylaw be rewritten to make the redevelopment of existing housing less restrictive.

BOSTON --- An interesting angle to a July 7 story about the legal battle between Trinity Financial and Mass Pike Towers residents is that while the City of Boston supports the idea of tenant ownership, it also believes in having all revenues considered in the building's appraisal. Trinity and the tenants are in court over the sale price, with Trinity having rejected the tenants' $42 million offer as too far below an independent appraisal that pegged the value at $61 million.

FALMOUTH --- Stating that its approval with conditions was the best way to protect residents and gain a result that fits with the town, the Falmouth Zoning Board of Appeals ended months of contentious hearings by granting a Ch. 40B comprehensive land use permit that will allow a Westford-based company to build 104 apartments at the corner of Main Street and Lantern Lane. Included in the conditions was a waiver to let the developers build to a height of 50 feet - 15 feet higher than the town's maximum - providing the developer incorporate design changes suggested by the ZBA's consulting architect.

FRANKLIN --- The purchase, refinancing and preservation of affordability of Glen Meadow Apartments means that all 288 rental homes will go back on the state's affordable housing inventory list, pushing Franklin's official total supply of affordable housing over 10 percent. Franklin is now at 11.89 percent.

WEYMOUTH --- Demographics and feedback from 1,200 residents in a community survey indicate that Weymouth should focus on housing for seniors, families, provide pathways to homeownership and devote more time and staff money to housing. The study, done by RKG Associates, was presented at a special town council meeting in late June.

WAREHAM --- Waltham-based Dakota Partners' plan to build 174 apartments on the site of the Starlight Motel ran headlong into opposition from residents and selectmen during a preliminary hearing last month, with one resident raising concerns about traffic, increased sewerage and water use, and strained municipal costs that will drive tax bills higher than most resident can afford. Dakota is planning to seek a Ch. 40B comprehensive land use permit so it can build the apartment complex in two phases. Dakota has or is building similar projects in Haverhill, Hyannis and Yarmouth.