Housing Headlines

MIDDLEBORO --- A developer who wants to build a 12 units of affordable housing in a subdivision of single-family homes has offered the town and residents a host of incentives, including intersection improvements, storm water run-off measures, $25,000 donations to local youth sports programs and a children's cancer organization, as well as creating an additional affordable unit that would be designated for a military veteran.

PITTSFIELD --- With an overnight cot shelter not operating this winter, a local non-profit is trying a different approach to providing affordable homes by turning homes into shared living spaces with monthly rents no higher than $350 per month. Berkshire Community Organizing for Acton has turned one donated house into homes for eight people and is now talking with the owners of three adjacent homes about doing the same thing.

EASTHAMPTON --- With tax credits and other public subsidies now in hand, Arch Street Development has purchased a former dye works building and next month will begin transforming the three-story brick building into 50 affordable rental apartments.

BOSTON, Dec. 22, 2013 --- A four-month Boston Globe investigation has found that the Boston Redevelopment Autority has allowed at some developers breaks on development fees that are commonly applied by the city and to fund affordable housing.

PLYMOUTH --- Delayed for several years due to abutter appeals that were unsuccessful, Sawmill Development is moving forward with its plans to use a Ch. 40B comprehensive permit to build 200 units (50 affordable) on land in the Plymouth village known as Manomet.

AMHERST --- Local officials have applied to the town's Community Preservation Act advisory committee for $750,000 and they hope that these funds will be used in combination with other public and private funding sources to preserve 65 affordable rental apartments at two different apartment builindgs.