Housing Headlines

TYNGSBORO --- Met with stiff opposition, developer George Psoinos is dropping plans to use the state's Local Initiative Program (aka friendly 40B) to build 48 age-restricted units on 4.5 acres. "I'm not going to force something down people's throats," he said. "We were trying to do a friendly thing that worked. It obviously didn't work out that way."

UPTON --- The town's affordable housing trust is considering using Community Preservation Act funds to support an inclusionary zoning bylaw and the hiring of a housing consultant who would help the town manage its affordable housing activities.

SOMERVILLE -- Hundreds of residents packed City Hall recently to urge the city to move faster on its efforts to rewrite its inclusionary zoning laws so that more affordable units can be created. A plan put forth by city planners was rejected in 2014 and the city has been working on a new plan that they expect to unveil in 2016. Residents at the meeting said the city needs to move faster as rising prices are pushing lower- and middle-income families out of the city.

WALTHAM --- After months of debate, the city council approved just before Christmas a measure that will use $2.1 million in Community Preservation Act funds to create a rental voucher program that will help 50 families secure affordable housing.

NORWOOD --- The selectmen and Zoning Board of Appeals are disputing a state opinion that the town has not yet gained greater control over Ch. 40B applications by having affordable housing on 1.5 percent of its land.

ANDOVER --- The Andover Community Trust has stepped forward to oversee the resale of a permanently affordable condominium after the family that had been living there outgrew it. The condo, located in Abbot Pond Condominium development, is listed for $168,192 and can be bought by an income-eligible individual or family.