Housing Headlines

BOSTON --- Michael Goodman of the Public Policy Center at UMass Dartmouth debates the proposed multifamily housing law with Mass Municipal Association's Geoff Beckwith on WBUR's Radio Boston, an afternoon public affairs show hosted by Meghna Chakrabati.

NEW BEDFORD --- A $7.2 million tax-exempt bond by MassDevelopment will be used to make repairs and preserve affordability at Verdean Gardens, a 110-unit mixed-income apartment building in the South End that features seven one-, 87 two-, 10 three- and six four-bedroom units for families.

PROVINCETOWN --- Not wanting to risk defeat that would have prohibited the town from putting forth an inclusionary zoning bylaw for two years, the planning board has withdrawn the article from spring town meeting.

EASTHAM --- In reaction to a developer's bid to acquire and develop a former Rt. 6 driving range into 115 mixed-income apartments, selectmen have voted to support a petition that would ask town meeting voters to borrow funds to acquire the site for the town, so it could potentially pursue a smaller affordable housing development. The cost of the land, owned by Stop & Shop, is estimated at $1.4 million. (Cape Codder).

WORCESTER --- The Community Builders recently celebrated the completion of a $27 million renovation of the former Crompton and Knowles Loom Works into 94 affordable apartments. Located in the Main South section of the city, the Lofts at Loomworks offers 51 one-, 40 two- and three three-bedroom apartments, with rents ranging from$984 to $1,365 per month. (Worcester Telegram).

WATERTOWN --- A new community group in Watertown is hoping that it can change history and give Watertown another chance to adopt the Community Preservation Act this year. The group, Invest in Watertown said the CPA, which was last voted down by Watertown voters in 2005, could provide an opportunity for the community to fund several recreation, preservation and housing initiatives. t