Housing Headlines

NORFOLK --- Plans to use Ch. 40B to build 28 for-sale homes on the town-owned 34-cacre "Boy Scout" land site has received initial praise from town leaders, who like Oxbow's Devevelopment's plans to cluster the homes, protect more open space and preserve wetlands. Oxbow recently completed a similar project in Wayland.

SOMERVILLE --- Mayor Joseph Curtatone recently released details of an affordable housing plan that calls for taxing home flippers and giving tax breaks to landlords who keep their rents low.

TOWNSEND --- With 24 rental apartments completed and rented within 30 days, the developers of the Ch. 40B Turnpike Village apartment complex say the 24-unit second phase will be completed and ready for occupancy by Jan. 2015.

PROVINCETOWN --- The topic of housing is dominating this town's search for a town manager, with the top candidate turning down the job due to the high cost of housing and a lack of professional jobs for his spouse, and the search committee reiterating that it's looking for a leader who can address the town's lack of housing and year-round jobs.

SHREWSBURY --- The town has has received three proposals in response to its request for "friendly" 40B projects, which was made this summer after the town had concerns about several large potential 40B proposals.

ORLEANS --- A meeting of local affordable housing advocates aimed at discussing the needs for the smaller towns of eastern Cape Cod focused on the idea of acting regionally to address the region's housing needs.