Housing Headlines

GLOUCESTER --- Work has begun on turning the former downtown YMCA building into 44 affordable aparments for seniors. The $44 million project - to be financed primarily with low income housing tax credits - wil be named after former longtime Cape Ann Y executive direcctor Jack Meany. The project will have preferences for veterans and those with limited incomes, and will provide homes for 88 people older than 62.

SWAMPSCOTT --- Even with the approval of the mixed-income 114-unit Elm Place development, Swampscott's inventory of affordable housing is just 3.7 percent, making it both unaffordable to many and below the state's 10 percent threshold, which means developers can use the state's Ch. 40B process to bypass many local zoning bylaws. "I think we've got to get busy and start driving projects," said Swampscott Town Administrator Sean Fitzgerald told the select board recently.

HADLEY --- Valley Community Development plans to turn the EconoLodge on Russell Street into 50 supportive affordable apartments, studios and one bedrooms. The project is being supported by funds from the Community Economic Development Assistance Corporation - an acquisition loan of up to $4.1 million and a $400,000 predevelopment loan.

BOSTON --- The Boston Foundation Greater Boston Housing Report Card 2022 finds that housing supply continues to grow more slowly than need, and owners and renters pay among the highest rates in the country. At the same time, flaws in the systems mean that thousands of people who qualify for subsidies are getting lost in a fragmented, difficult system. The report concludes with policy recommendations.

WORCESTER --- The first phase of a multiphase project is about to get underway at 120 Washington Street to develop a seven-floor building with 83 units of affordable housing. The building is at the site of the former Table Talk Pies company and near Worcester Red Sox Park. Plans by Boston Capital call for the building to open in 2024. MHP has committed $7.1 million in financing for this development.

NEW BEDFORD --- Because of the recent purchase of a New Bedford apartment complex, tenants are scrambling to find other housing. The building at 189-193 Elm Street dates back to the early 1900s. The new owners say they are planing significant upgrades and have worked to help tenants find housing. Some tenants fear they won’t find rentals they can afford.