Housing Headlines

WESTBORO --- Needing funds to fund a potential library expansion, a stand-alone pre-kindergarten building and to renovate or replace existing schools, the town has agreed to sell 38 acres of state hospital land to Pulte Homes, which is planning to build 700 units housing for seniors 55 and over.

EAST BOSTON --- State and city officials gathered with developer Trinity Financial on Dec. 7 to celebrate the groundbreaking of the first phase of the redevelopment of Orient Heights, a 331-unit public housing development. Phase 1 will involve the demolition of 90 units and the construction of 120 units.

AMHERST — At its fourth and final Town Meeting session in November, voters rejected a zoning change that would have required developers to provide more affordable housing in large-scale projects.

BROOKLINE — One week after a developer pitched a 21-story apartment building for Coolidge Corner, selectmen have asked state officials to back a temporary moratorium on the review of future projects proposed under the state’s affordable housing law.

NORWELL --- Plans to turn the old police station into housing are continuing, with the town's Community Housing Trust working with the non-profit MetroWest Collaborative Development to turn the station into 18 rental units for seniors. The Waltham-based non-profit said they would be applying to the state for funding and also hope to use $1 million in CPA funds that Town Meeting voted into the trust recently.

BARNSTABLE --- The new executive director of the Housing Assistance Corporation of Cape Cod began her career in entertainment, but found her way into nonprofit work when she began volunteering for an arts organization for inner city youth.