Housing Headlines

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.

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.

TISBURY --- The Tisbury zoning board of appeals (ZBA) unanimously approved a six-unit affordable rental apartment building on Water Street at a hearing on Friday. The written decision on a comprehensive permit for the Island Housing Trust's (IHT) project, with conditions, is expected to be finalized this week.

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.

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.

WELLESLEY --- Discussions about Wellesley College selling 47 acres to the town have been deferred until after the upcoming fall special town meeting. The parties have been in discussion about the property across from Wellesley College, which has been valued at $25 million. Wellesley College is selling the land to fund a campus renewal project and the town has signaled interest so as to control development of the property. Voters would have to approve such a purchase at a special town meeting.