Housing Headlines

MARBLEHEAD --- Saying it would like to do more, the Marblehead Fair Housing Committee has asked the town to appropriate $300,000 into the town's Affordable Housing Trust so it can use it in combination with other funds to purchase multifamily properties that it would convert housing that would be affordable.

DANVERS --- With its supply of affordable housing hovering at 10 percent, Danvers officials gathered recently to discuss how to maintain the town's level of affordability, floating ideas such as broadening its inclusionary zoning rules, actively seek a large Ch. 40B project or creating a downtown overlay district that would allow housing on upper floors.

HAMILTON --- Faced with community opposition to its plans to build 108 apartments on Longmeadow Way, Harborlight Community Partners has told the town it is willing to split up its proposal to other locations and has asked the town to suggest other places where it could build.

FALMOUTH --- A 40-unit affordable housing complex proposed for Spring Bars Road received a significant local boost as selectmen have approved $750,000 to support the project, which is scheduled to be ready in two years. The project is being developed by Affirmative Investments on an 11-acre site the town purchased in 2010 using $2.5 million in CPA funds.

WINCHESTER --- On the heels of a suit filed by neighbors regarding a 96-unit proposal approved by the Zoning Board of Appeals, two legislators are concerned about a development company's plan to file for a Ch. 40B permit so it can build 296 units near the Winchester-Stoneham line.

GLOUCESTER --- A deal to move forward the $5.6 million sale of the Fuller School is getting closer, with Dolben Company agreeing to boost the number of market-rate housing units from 170 to 200 and commercial developer Sam Park agreeing to a reduction in retail space from 60,000 to 25,000 square feet.