Housing Headlines

BOSTON --- With properties like the Flower Exchange and Widett Circle being eyeballed for development, some are worried that the Hub's appetite for new housing is chewing into its dwindling supply of industrially-zoned land and employers may have to move elsewhere if they want to expand, reports Tim Logan.

AMHERST --- Amherst Town Manager John Musante, whose town was recognized by MHP for its outstanding work in affordable housing, passed away suddenly over the weekend. He was 53.

WEYMOUTH --- The Massachusetts Water Resources Authority last week gave preliminary approval to allow the SouthField development at the former So. Weymouth Naval Air Station to tie into the MWRA's water system.

ARLINGTON --- In response to a report predicting that the town will gain more than 1,000 students in the next five years, local realtors said people are attracted to Arlington due to its relatively affordability and proximity to Boston but they were unanimous in saying they did not believe any of the apartment complexes built in recent years are contributing to enrollment increases.

QUINCY --- Over 150 residents from the Squantum section of Quincy packed a public meeting to let a developer know they did not want to see 14 condominiums built on the grounds of a former Catholic Church. After the meeting, Victor Sheen of Oakgrove Residential said his company would not try to override resident concerns by pursuing a Ch. 40B comprehensive permit but would come back to the community with a plan for single-family homes. (HT Commonwealth Magazine).

HYANNIS --- The Barnstable Town Council is expected to hear several reports on Thursday, Sept. 17 regarding the growing homeless population in downtown Hyannis. The police chief is expected to detail what it costs the town monitor the homeless population while representatives from the Housing Assistance Corp. and other nonprofits will be asked about how shelters are managed and how they keep track of clients. "We want facts and figures. It's time to bring this out in the open," said Jessica Rapp Grassetti, town council president.