Housing Headlines

SUDBURY --- Town Meeting will take up an overlay zoning proposal for the Raytheon site on Rte. 20 which will make way for some of the components of the mixed-use housing and commercial proposal put forth by Avalon Bay and National Development. The changes would address National Development's plan to build a grocery store and senior housing while Avalon Bay is applying to the town for a Ch. 40B permit so it can build 250 apartments. (MetroWest Daily News)

BEDFORD --- By just seven votes, 141-134, residents at Bedford Town Meeting rejected a zoning bylaw that would've allowed the town to convert public school buildings not in use into housing.

WORCESTER --- In a story that should be filed under the heading of unintended consequences, columnist Clive McFarlane writes about the small tire repair businessman who bought a vacant property and wanted to move his business there, only to discover the city had just rezoned it solely for mixed-use neighborhood development even though the land is surrounded by small automotive shops.

JAMAICA PLAIN --- Housing-related issues ranging from inclusionary zoning to passing CPA to evictions and gentrification were among the topics discussed at Jamaica Plain's sixth annual community town meeting.

DORCHESTER --- A proposal for a mixed-use, five-story building at 1943 Dorchester Ave. in Peabody Square faced push back from community members at its first public airing Monday evening. Peregrine Group LLC has proposed to acquire and build a 64-unit apartment building on the site, which is now owned by Codman Square Health Center. Codman would have first rights on leasing commercial space which is also included in the project plans.

BURLINGTON --- In an effort to keep its affordable housing supply above the 10 percent state threshold so as to maintain control over future multifamily development, selectmen have endorsed a friendly 40B proposal by the Davis Companies to build 271 mixed-income units at Corporate Drive. Selectmen opted for this one over a similar friendly 40B proposal by National Development.