Housing Headlines

HYANNIS --- Aided by town workers and county jail inmates, the Barnstable police began dismantling homeless camps in wooded areas near schools and playgrounds.

GLOUCESTER --- While some raised questions about building height and parking, a solid majority of the 100 residents who attended a public meeting voiced their support for a plan that would turn the former Cameron's Restaurant into a mixed-use development with first-floor commercial and 30 apartments on the upper floors.

SALEM --- Three development companies have submitted bids to the city's Redevelopment Authority regarding the redevelopment of the old district courthouse into a mix of residences and retail for the downtown. The SRA is expected to review all proposals this week and render a decision by Sept. 11.

HYANNIS --- State Rep. Brian Mannal, D-Barnstable, used the words "disturbing and eye-opening," after touring three homeless camps around Hyannis with Barnstable Police Chief Paul MacDonald and members of the department's community impact unit. Police said some of the camps, which are near schools, will be dismantled next week.

JAMAICA PLAIN --- Citing increased costs, developer Anthony Nader has told neighborhood groups and the Boston Redevelopment Authority that he would build 32 affordable units off site rather than include them in his proposed 195-unit apartment building at 104A South Huntington Ave.

JAMAICA PLAIN --- Despite a neighborhood group's insistence that any new housing be 100 percent affordable, the Boston Redevelopment Authority voted 3-2 to approve developers Dan Mangiacotti and Paul Iantosca's plan to build 76 apartments - 18 affordable - at 3200 Washington St. The building will replace an abandoned six-unit building that has drawn police attention for illicit parties and squatters.