Housing Headlines

Norwell, Hanover and Scituate are three towns on the South Shore that will be using local funds collected from the Community Preservation Act to help fund affordable housing developments that are slated to bring 85 affordable homes to the region.

BOSTON --- Two Boston transitional homes for addicts and men who are HIV positive are being shut down because the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is eliminating funding for transitional housing, according to the Boston Public Health Commission, which runs the programs.

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.