Housing Headlines

LUDLOW --- At the first zoning board of appeals hearing for HAPHousing's plan to build 43 affordable apartments across from the Fuller School, local leaders left no doubt that they are against the non-profit's application for a Ch. 40B comprehensive land use permit, citing a myriad of local concerns and accusing the developer of not seeking the town's opinion before applying for the permit.

NEWTON --- The developer who wants to turn a group of old buildings at a busy intersection into a mixed-use development with 160 apartments told the Newton City Council this week he'd be willing to increase the number of affordable units to 25 percent if that meant the city would give him a special permit to build the project. Previously, developer Robert Korff had signaled he might pursue a Ch. 40B comprehensive land use permit for Washington Place, an alternative path that does not thrill some city councilors. "The elephant in the room is going to a 40B project. It's not in the city's best interest. [We are] better off having control of this project," said Ward 7 City Councilor at-large Ruthanne Fuller.

BEVERLY --- An analysis presented by City Planner Aaron Clausen projects that only 10 students would be added to the city's schools as a result of the 364 apartments and homes that are being proposed for downtown.

WEYMOUTH --- The decision by Weymouth and Braintree to collaborate on new zoning rules to revitalize Weymouth Landing is paying off as another developer has come forward with plans to develop multifamily housing. This time, it's Joe Gratta of Weymouth-based Atlantic Mechanical and Weymouth taxi company owner Metri Metri proposing to build 58 apartments at 143 and 165 Washington St. That makes four development proposals totalling 330 units since the zoning was changed to encourage mixed use, according to the Patriot Ledger.

SOUTHBRIDGE --- Arch Street Development of Boston told town officials recently that it is one year away from beginning construction on turning the former Wells Middle School into 58 affordable senior apartments. Arch Street's Richard Relich told town councilors the project has received an initial round of tax credit financing and expects to receive an additional round in the next few months.

BRAINTREE – Three days after city analysis estimated that 1.9 percent of its land is being used for affordable housing, the Zoning Board of Appeals voted to continue its hearing with a Ch. 40B developer while the city awaits for the state to confirm that Braintree has gone past the 1.5 percent threshold needed to have greater latitude over Ch. 40B proposals. A large crowd came to voice its displeasure with plans by the Holland Companies to build 78 units in Braintree Square but the ZBA pushed the first hearing date until May.