Housing Headlines

DANVERS --- At a regional housing forum in Danvers, a nonprofit developer from Beverly spoke of the difficulties of trying to build 60 units of housing for seniors in Wenham, highlighting the challenges many communities face in trying to create affordable housing.

BILLERICA --- By a 4-1 vote, selectmen approved a 40B Local Initiative Project (LIP) that will bring 179 rental units and more than $1 million in mitigation to the town. The development, called Alpine Village, will be developed by Ray Cormier. Selectmen explained going this route was preferable to running the risk of Cormier building a much denser project.

QUINCY --- Saying the city has an affordable housing crisis, Ward 4 City Councilor Brian Palmucci is seeking a change in the city's zoning code that would remove an exemption that allows downtown housing developers to bypass a requirement to make at least 10 percent of their units affordable or pay equivalent fees into the city's affordable housing trust. This year, the exemption cleared the way for two downtown projects to go forward without adding units or making a payment into the trust.

WRENTHAM --- The zoning board of appeals has begun hearings on the first of three multifamily housing proposals, this one a 220-unit apartment complex near Rt. 1 and Rt. 495. Ryan Development has applied to the town for a Ch. 40B comprehensive permit. The development would be called Rosegate and would consist of four four-story apartment buildings with 102 one-bedroom units, 96 two-bedroom units, and 22 three-bedroom units. Fifty-five units would be affordable.

EASTHAM --- Richard Hayden of Stratford Capital Group is planning to present to the town his company's plan to buy a former 10-acre Rt. 6 driving range from current owner Stop & Shop and develop it into a 130-unit affordable housing units. Hayden said it would be a friendly project and wouldn't go forward if the town didn't want it.

DORCHESTER --- The DOT Block development is proceeding without a section at Dorchester Avenue and Hancock Street that was in the original proposal, developers told residents at a public meeting on Sept. 28. Since receiving community input, changes developers have made include removal of a Hancock Street entrance to the development, a townhouse design giving way to a more solid appearance, height adjustments, and the introduction of building setbacks.