Housing Headlines

NORWOOD --- After negotiating with the developer to reduce the size of the development and make other changes, the Norwood Zoning Board of Appeals reluctantly granted Campanelli and Thorndike Development a Ch. 40B comprehensive permit so it can proceed to build Upland Woods, a 260-unit apartment complex.

FALMOUTH --- Friends and colleagues had nothing but praise for Bob Murray, who died on Sept. 5 after spending more than 25 years of his "retirement" spearheading affordable housing developments in Harwich and Falmouth as well as starting an annual walk from Provincetown to Falmouth to raise funds and awareness for affordable housing.

NORWOOD --- By a 3-2 vote, selectmen have approved the town's application to the state for a Ch. 40R smart growth overlay district for the former Plimpton Press site, which is steps away from the town's downtown commuter rail station. If approved by the state and then a two-thirds vote at town meeting, the owners plan to redevelop the 7.82 acre property into 270 apartments.

NORTH ATTLEBORO --- With some anguish, selectmen unanimously voted not to support Great Bridge Properties' bid to build a 45-unit rental 40B on 2.5 acres near Rt. 1, saying the proposal was too large and not in keeping with the neighborhood's smaller homes. Great Bridge can continue to pursue a 40B permit with the town's zoning board of appeals but has indicated it would not do that without town support. Selectman Michael Thompson struggled with the decision. "I'm really torn," he said. "I'm one of those kids who grew up in triple deckers on the north end of town. We weren't rich, far from it, not even close. With these projects, I realize all these bells and whistles go off that we're going to get bad people in town. I'll tell you something, all of us kids that grew up here and grew up in those neighborhoods now contribute to this town."

BOSTON --- At a recent community meeting, Jamaica Plain residents called for more affordability and more three-bedroom units at the proposed "Commons at Forest Hills Station" apartment project. The developers, John M. Corcoran & Co. and the Brennan Group, are planning to buy the property at 3593-3615 Washington St. and are proposing a 280-unit project with 10 three-bedroom units and 37 affordable units. Residents want at least 25 percent affordable units.

BRIDGEWATER --- The town is poised to approve zoning amendments that would allow housing in the central business district by special permit as long as it is confined to the upper stories of commercial buildings. The plan would allow up to five housing units per acre, or six to eight units if 25 percent of them were affordable. Town council was scheduled to discuss the matter on Sept. 3 and could OK the measure at that time.