Housing Headlines

PROVINCETOWN --- A controversial housing site which last year inspired neighbors to fly a drone to illustrate the height of the buildings being proposed is dealing with the height issue again as the builder has stopped construction after discovering that one of the seven buildings in the 13-unit project was 25.8 feet high, more than two feet higher than what's allowed.

WINCHESTER ---- With only 1.9 percent of its housing classified as affordable and its location to Boston and public transportation making it a desirable place to live, Winchester has fielded four Ch. 40B comprehensive land use permit requests in the last two years. A local news story takes an in depth look at the question, "Why does Winchester suffer more than other communities?"

MARSHFIELD --- The town's Zoning Board of Appeals has OK'd a Ch. 40B land permit for a 20-unit rental project on Ferry Street providing that the applicant, Peter Armstrong, limit the removal of dirty from the site to what's "reasonably necessary" for construction. Armstrong originally planned to remove more dirt as part of a plan to financially support the project but neighbors raised concerns about truck traffic and dust that would be caused by extensive dirt removal.

FALMOUTH --- All indications are that the Falmouth Zoning Board of Appeals is poised to approve the controversial 104-unit Lyberty Green apartment proposal for Main Street with several conditions. The vote is expected to take place on July 10.

ACTON --- One town leader called her a force, state Sen. Jamie Eldridge described her as one of his public service mentors and over 500 turned out at the funeral of former Acton Housing Authority Director Betty McManus, who was tragically killed on June 13 when she was struck by a car while walking her dog. She was 75. During her 25-plus year tenure at the housing authority, McManus not only maintained existing public housing authority units but was responsible for creating 150 more units for low-income families and seniors.

PROVINCETOWN --- "It’s summertime and the living is easy — unless you’re trying to buy or rent a home on Cape Cod." That's the lead reporter K.C. Myers wrote to advance the 25th annual Bob Murray Housing With Love Walk, a 103-mile six-day sojourn from Provincetown to Falmouth that's held each year to raise money for affordable housing. Murray, who started it in 1993 and did it every year until his death in 2013, has started a tradition that's raised $4.7 million. The event hopes to raise $300,000 this year and past the $5 million mark. Two hundred are expected to participate. The money helps local agencies provide housing and prevent homelessness. To donate and see the daily routes, go to www.murrayhousingwalk.org