Housing Headlines

HOLYOKE --- Governor Charlie Baker and Undersecretary of Housing and Community Development Chrystal Kornegay announced today over $29 million in federal and state tax credit awards to fund the development, renovation and preservation of nearly 1,484 housing units (1,119 affordable) across the Commonwealth.

WALTHAM --- The city's Community Preservation Committee has passed by a 6-1 vote a proposal to use $2 million in CPA funds to create a local rental voucher program that will provide rental subsidies to landlords so they can offer lower rents. The idea, put forth by the CPC and the Waltham Housing Authority, must still be approved by the city.

MARTHA'S VINEYARD --- In an eloquent column in the Martha's Vineyard Times, Island Housing Trust Executive Director Philippe Jordi says the major impact of the housing crisis is losing neighbors you've known for years and that's why the trust has set a goal of building 120 new affordable homes for "300 of our neighbors" by 2020.

NANTUCKET --- The Historic District Commission made a bit of history of its own recently, approving by a 5-0 vote the design for one of six buildings that will comprise Nantucket's first apartment complex, a 28-unit development of studios, one- and two-bedroom apartments for the island's year-round work force.

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.