Housing Headlines

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.

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.