Housing Headlines

MATTAPAN --- About 60 residents attended a forum on gentrification recently, with a researcher from UMass Boston presenting facts and figures on the growing wealth gap in the city and places in the neighborhood where rising real estate values could drive existing resident out. Everyone agreed that Mattapan is at risk due to the new Fairmount Line, rent and tax increases, and vacant buildings that are primed for development.

SOMERVILLE --- During his inaugural address on Martin Luther King Day, Somerville Mayor Joe Curtatone said he would be backing several recommendations put forth by the city's neighborhood working group, including one that would increase the city's inclusionary zoning standard from 12.5 to 20 percent affordable units for projects of six units or more.

GLOUCESTER --- Discussions between city officials and developers behind the bid to redevelop the Fuller School are continuing, with developers proposing a mixed-use project that includes a new YMCA, a retail component and 170 units of market-rate housing. The housing component runs contrary to the city's inclusionary zoning ordinance but then city is said to be exploring a way in which funds could be paid into the local housing trust so that affordable housing could be built elsewhere.

WEYMOUTH --- The city council wants to hear from public housing residents and check with legal counsel before it decides to spend Community Preservation Act funds to set up security cameras at the Lakeview Manor public housing complex. Councilors have concerns about privacy and whether CPA funds can be legally used for such a purpose.

CAMBRIDGE --- The Cambridge City Council recently passed a zoning petition that will allow single- and two-family home owners to create accessory basement apartments with a special permit. The city council adopted the measure in its original form but may make changes leading up to the May 1 implementation date.

NORWOOD --- As the town goes to court to fight off a proposed Ch. 40B housing development, a 262-unit 40B is beginning to come on line as One Upland has begun leasing apartments in two of its seven planned buildings. Developed by Campenelli and Thorndike Development, the other five buildings are expected to be completed and leased up by the end of the year.