Housing Headlines

LAWRENCE --- Reporter Keith Eddings takes a look at reasons why Lawrence's mills are attracting so much investment, from the Duck Mill which opened last week and three more slated for development next year when renovations at the Washington, Pacific and Wood mills are expected to begin.

WESTPORT --- After many years of planning, the town's Affordable Housing Trust Fund Specialist Leonardi Aray told selectmen that The Community Builders are scheduled to begin construction on the 50-unit Noquochoke Village this spring. The project is beinb built on town land and is being supported with $280,000 from the town's housing trust fund.

BRAINTREE --- In advance of seeking a Ch. 40B permit from the Zoning Board of Appeals, a representative from Boston-based Holland Companies met with more than 50 residents recently to explain plans "to revitalize" Braintree Square with rental housing and condos. At the meeting, Holland Companies said it had scaled back the rental portion of its project at 383-385 Washington St. from 72 to 70 apartments, with eight three-bedroom condos still planned for the Storrs Ave. side of the 2.4 acre property.

SOMERVILLE --- In part one of a series of stories on the impact of Somerville's zoning ordinances, reporter Katie Bowler looks at the city's efforts to develop new zoning outlines that would replace some bylaws that date back to the 1920s, and which neighborhoods would be rezoned to promote "enhanced" or "transformative" development.

WAYLAND --- Selectmen seem to be nearing a decision on the development of town land as they have signaled their preference for a proposal by Wood Partners to build 188 mixed-income and age-restricted apartments on a site that town currently uses for storage.

SUNDERLAND --- The town moved a step closer to its goal of producing senior housing as Rural Development Inc. has responded to the town's request with a proposal to build 18 units on a town-owned parcel at 120 North Main St. near the center of town.