Housing Headlines

WINCHESTER --- Residents and some town officials say that the Winchester Housing Partnership Board's letter of support for the 296-unit Forest Ridge proposal was submitted without public discussion or vote, which they say is a violation of the state's Open Meeting Law.

PITTSFIELD --- Indicating he will try to utilize a state incentive program that promotes downtown housing in gateway cities, developer David Carver has proposed transforming the former Church of the Holy Family on Seymour Street into 10 "affordable market rate" apartments.

WINCHESTER --- Stating that plans to build 296 units on the Winchester-Stoneham line would provide much-needed housing for young families and seniors looking to downsize, the Winchester Housing Partnership Board has come out in favor of the Krebs Investor Group's plans to apply to the town for a Ch. 4B permit, even as local leaders and residents from both towns have voiced concerns about the size of the project known as Forest Ridge.

WAYLAND --- The advisory committee charged with evaluating development proposals to build 188 apartments on 8.5 acres of town-owned land has voted to re-interview the two firms that submitted bids to explore why their proposals contained net purchases prices that differed by over $1.5 million.

CAMBRIDGE --- Beloved bowling alley Lanes and Games will be open for approximately one more year before closing for good as Criterion Development Partners of Waltham is looking to purchase the property neaer Alewife Station from the Martignetti family so it can build 325 apartments.

NATICK --- In a special Sunday story, reporter Brian Benson takes a look at the pros and cons of tearing down and replacing modestly priced homes in MetroWest with newer more expensive versions, with a particular focus on Natick which as issued more than 25 permits for demolition in less than two years.