Housing Headlines

WESTFORD --- Following up on an idea first put forth in the town's 2009 Master Plan, town officials are working with the Northern Middlesex Council of Governments and the Massachusetts Housing Partnership's community assistance team on possible ways to rezone the Rt. 110 corridor to allow for multifamily housing.

WASHINGTON --- On Thursday, July 14, the U.S. Senate unanimously approved the Housing Opportunity Through Modernization Act, which its supporters say will improve access to high-opportunity areas, help to address homelessness, reduce administrative burdens for housing agencies, strengthen work incentives, facilitate the preservation of public housing and improve resident quality of life. The bill now heads to the President's desk.

BOSTON --- With Avalon Bay proposing 250 units for the St. Gabriel's school site, a single quarter-mile stretch of Brighton's Washington Street now has three proposed residential projects that could bring the area more than 1,000 units if all are built.

ROXBURY --- Cruz Development has filed notice of plans to build a two-building complex of 95 apartments and office space at 280 Warren St. near Dudley Square.

DORCHESTER --- After surveying the city to identify 250 city-owned vacant lots, the City of Boston is about to kick off its Neighborhood Homes Initiative, which is aimed at turning these lots into new homes for middle-class homebuyers slated for households making between 80 and 100 percent of area median income.

SPRINGFIELD – An advisory committee will recommend the City Council place a question on the November ballot asking residents if they are willing to adopt the Community Preservation Act, which would increase their property taxes by 1.5 percent to raise money to preserve open space and historic buildings, enhance recreation and improve community housing.