Housing Headlines

NEWTON --- In what a planning department official called a "low-impact" way to address the city's housing needs, the City Council passed by a 22-2 vote an ordinance that would allow accessory apartments by right with an amendment that all detached units go through the special permit process.

PROVINCETOWN --- A Maryland firm that is the other bidder on a bankrupt time share that the town wants to purchase for affordable housing is trying to derail the auction process by filing a suit that argues that time-share owners aren't like regular property owners, and an outright sale to the town would trigger third-party claims that would fail to produce a clear title.

MEDWAY --- The town's planning and economic development board has approved two four-unit townhouses on .66 acres at 176-178 Main St., making it the first development to be approved in the town's new multi-family housing overlay district. All of the apartments will be three-bedroom units and one of the apartments will be affordable, as required by the local bylaw.

WORCESTER --- The city's historical commission is supporting an effort to have the YWCA building at Salem Square added to the National Register of Historic Places as part of an effort to qualify for historic tax credits which would provide needed funds to preserve the building and its 40 single rooms for women.

HYANNIS --- One week before being honored for 43 years at the helm of the Housing Assistance Corporation of Cape Cod, Rick Presbrey reflects on his career and his determination to build affordable housing and help the homeless of Cape Cod. "I can think of as many things I didn't get done as things I did get done," he said.

EASTHAM --- With two Ch. 40B comprehensive land use permit requests before them, the town's zoning board of appeals rejected Stratford Capital Group's 50-unit proposal for a former Rt. 6 driving range and approved the 65-unit Campbell-Purcell Brackett Road development proposed by Charlie Adams of Pennrose Properties.