Housing Headlines

NORTON --- In his regular commentary for the Attleboro Sun, columnist Bill Gouveia - who is also the Norton town moderator - argues that the 188-unit Ch. 40B development currently under construction is just what the town needs.

GREAT BARRINGTON --- The town's zoning board of appeals is continuing to hold hearings on whether to grant a nonprofit developer a Ch. 40B permit so that an 11-unit affordable housing development can be built on a 12-acre parcel on State Road. Previously, the selectmen, planning board and board of health have all voted to support the project.

PROVINCETOWN --- At least three town officials are questioning the selectmen's decision to seek data showing that at least 1.5 percent of the town's habitable land is used for affordable housing, which if so would give the town greater latitude over Ch. 40B applications like the current proposal for 350 Bradford St., which has stirred significant resident opposition.

NEW BEDFORD --- Standard-Times reporters Kathleen McKiernan and Mike Lawrence portray what life is like in a long-standing homeless camp, which has drawn public attention recently after a series of assaults brought police to the site and revealed that a young child was among the dozen or so people living there. Mayor Jon Mitchell has called for a meeting with homeless advocacy organizations to see what can be done to help the people who have been living on this property for years.

LAWRENCE --- Part of a city block ravaged by a 2008 fire is now a 10-unit home for veterans thanks to a partnership between the city, a Haverhill-based veterans group and Housing Support Inc. of Newburyport.

BOSTON --- Almost a month after failing to get support from the Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Council, developers proposing to build 76 apartments at 3200 Washington St. have asked the city's zoning board of appeals for a delay so it can finalize its proposal. Local residents have complained that the project is too big and does not include enough affordable units.