Housing Headlines

WRENTHAM --- A 92-lot open space planned development is the latest in flurry of housing proposals coming before the town. This plan - called Park Place - would be built on 112 acres between Rt. 140 and the Norfolk line. In addition to this proposal, Wrentham is being asked to consider Eagle Brook Commons, a 100-unit rental development near the Franklin line, and Rosegate of Wrentham, a 220-unit apartment complex near Route 494 and Route 1 near Plainville.

WORCESTER - In an effort to contain and reduce the number of homeless encampments throughout the city, and to better provide services to the local homeless population, city officials are exploring the feasibility of creating a "sanctioned site" that would basically be a homeless camp with toilet and shower facilities, and a place where these individuals could receive medical attention.

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.