Housing Headlines

MEDFIELD --- A state financing organization has decided not to support a developer's bid to pursue a Ch. 40B permit from the town, saying that the proposed apartment structure for the 200-unit Medfield Meadows proposal was too high. Developers need support from a state financing agency before they can begin the Ch. 40B hearing process with a town's zoning board of appeals.

PROVINCETOWN --- The decision to move quickly and vote in favor of a $10.7 million loan so that the town can bid on a bankrupt 26-unit town share was motivated by the chance to purchase a property for affordable housing and a grass-roots campaign guided by state Sen. Julian Cyr that brought over 500 people to special Town Meeting.

PITTSFIELD --- Two city employees have been let go, including Community Development Director Janis Akerstrom, who was hired in 2015 after working previously in Orlando, Fla. She was responsible for managing the city's$1.2 million Community Development Block Grant program and other programs relating to neighborhoods, housing, conservation and economic development and oversees a number of boards and commissions.

QUINCY --- Despite protests from neighbors about its size and proximity to the Adams mansion, the Quincy Planning Board has OK'd a 60-unit apartment development proposed by Peter Loughlin of Boston Property Development.

SALEM --- The city is considering creating a new incentive program that would provide tax breaks to developers to build more downtown housing. The proposal is targeting five properties in the northern end of town, including a floundering condo proposal for the old district court building.

HARWICH --- Rising rents and a population that is increasing in the over-65 category were two highlights of a report presented by consultant Karen Sunnarborg to a working group that is being charged with updating the town's housing plan.