Housing Headlines

NANTUCKET --- Nantucket town meeting voters approved sweeping changes in zoning bylaws in November, voting "yes" to changes that will allow single-family-home density of up to nine units per acre and apartment density of up to 23 units per acre, on two parcels that total 32 acres, located halfway between downtown and the airport.

SHREWSBURY --- Discussion continued on a proposal by Smart Growth Design Inc. to pursue a Ch. 40B permit from the town so it can build 300 apartments on 16 acres near Rt. 20. Called Pointe Hill Farms, the proposal has been opposed by selectmen because some of the project would be built on land that is zoned industrial. Nearby residents have hired a lawyer and have raised concerns about the size, open space, impact on property values and height of the buildings.

NORTHAMPTON --- This past Tuesday was a big day for 11 homeless women veterans as they began to move into a new $1.7 million 16-unit facility developed by the nonprofit Soldier On. The new facility is located on the campus of the Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

NANTUCKET --- Lawyers for Atlantic Development have submitted a letter to the town that addresses the board of selectmen's unanimous opposition of the developer's intention to seek a Ch. 40B permit so it can build 60 apartments.

EASTHAM --- Faced with intense opposition to a developer's proposal to build 115 units on a former Rt. 6 driving range, town officials are looking at two town parcels - the 10-acre Purcell property and 18 acres off Balwic Road - as possible locations for affordable housing.

WEST ROXBURY --- Local developer Peter Davos has proposed an 80-unit apartment complex for the former International House of Pancake restaurant site, 11 of which would be affordable as required by the City of Boston. Davos said there would be 20 three-, 40 two- and 20 one-bedroom apartments.