Housing Headlines

WEYMOUTH --- The use of motels by the state as temporary shelters has resulted in 10 communities hosting 68 percent of homeless families receiving assistance, according to a report by the state auditor's office. The report also said the cost of transporting displaced children to the school system they came from (required by federal law) costs communities $13 million per year and may amount to hundreds of thousands of dollars in the 10 communities that host the most homeless families on motels - Weymouth, Brockton, Holyoke, Danvers, Allston-Brighton, Chicopee, Waltham, Malden, Leominster and Greenfield.

BOLTON --- A 150-unit Ch. 40B housing proposal that was first floated in 2002 has resurfaced again, this time as 42 detached homes that will be clustered together to create more open space. Known as Craftsman Village, selectmen have signaled their support for the smaller project, which will be developed by Mark O'Hagan.

ARLINGTON --- The town of Arlington has hired a firm to represent them in their opposition to a 219-unit Ch. 40B housing development being proposed for land in East Arlington owned by the Mugar family.

WRENTHAM --- Town officials are gearing up to hear details about four large affordable housing development proposals, three of which are expected to rental developments of over 200 units. The fourth proposal - a plan for the former Crosby Valve site near downtown - is in the early stages, selectmen say.

METHUEN --- After previously waiving its rural zoning exemptions to allow 250 units of senior housing, the City of Methuen has indicated that a developer's plan to use Ch. 40B to build 123 homes for families does not fit the city's overall development plan and is inappropriate for the rural part of town for which it is proposed.

SALEM --- A Danvers-based builder who has done approximately 20 home construction and renovation projects in Salem has an agreement to buy a former plumbing supply building on Bridge St., knock it down and construct four 1,500-square foot starter homes.