Housing Headlines

Writing for WBUR, freelance writer Thomas J. Fitzgerald examines why so many people are leaving Massachusetts given its leadership status in education and innovation. One of the factors he says is the high cost of housing and many of the readers who commented on his story seem to agree.

PROVINCETOWN --- One year after Town Meeting voted down a measure to buy the three-quarter acre Winslow Farm property for $1.75 million, it may get another chance as the town is now proposing a swap, with the town getting the farm and farm owner James Savko getting the community center, which he will develop into seven units of housing.

TAUNTON --- City councilors will soon here from Braintree-based Affordable Housing and Services Collaborative Inc. about their ideas for turning a former school and its grounds into 40 apartments for seniors, 16 in the existing school and 24 in a new building next to the school.

WALTHAM --- The city’s attempt to block a six-story 195-unit 40B apartment complex proposal was dealt a blow by the state recently, which ruled the city has not yet met the Ch. 40B land threshold. Municipalities can gain greater control over 40B proposals if 10 percent of the housing is affordable or if 1.5 percent of their land is used for affordable housing. According to the state, 7.2 percent of Waltham’s housing is affordable and under 1.5 percent of the land is used for affordable housing. The city had claimed more than 1.5 percent of its land is being used for affordable housing.

BROOKLINE — Residents of South Brookline and Chestnut Hill have taken turns opposing Chapter 40B development proposals in their neighborhoods in recent weeks, with a third project in Coolidge Corner scheduled to be introduced before the Board of Selectmen early next month while a fourth project in South Brookline is hung up in court.

BURLINGTON --- In an effort to keep its affordable housing supply above 10 percent, selectmen are continuing to pursue friendly 40B housing developments, as they voted to do last year. At a meeting earlier in February, selectmen said they would continue to vet two proposals - the Davis' Companies' plans to build 200 units on Corporate Drive and National Development's plans to build 200 at the New England Executive Park off Mall Road.