Housing Headlines

UXBRIDGE --- A proposal by the non-profit Uxbridge Housing Associates to turn the Blanchard School into 25 affordable apartments has garnered significant political support as a recent tour of the building included Congressman James McGovern, state Sen. Richard Moore, state Rep. Kevin Kuros and and state Undersecretary for Housing Aaron Gornstein.

SUDBURY --- A local non-profit developer has begun construction on a 64-unit affordable housing complex for persons over the age of 55. The complex, called the Coolidge at Sudbury, will be made up of one- and two-bedroom units and will also include a meeting room, library and fitness center. The Coolidge will be ready for occupancy in mid 2014.

NEWTON --- Boston Globe columnist Adrian Walker takes a hard look at Mayor Setti Warren's recent decision to ask for more information and meetings regarding the proposal to turn a small Newton firestation into nine studio apartments for middle-aged people who have been homeless.

BOSTON ---The Boston Redevelopment Authority (BRA) recently approved four projects totaling 1,114 new homes across four neighborhoods in Boston. In the Innovation District, Madison Seaport Holdins LLC will build 414 apartments in a 22-story tower at 399 Congress Street. In the Fenway, Samuels & Associates will build a 22-story residential tower with 320 residences and two levels of retail. Additionally, 184 units will be built on Mt. Vernon Street in Dorchester and 196 units will be built on Border Street in Easton Boston.

NORWOOD --- At a workshop to discuss formulating a housing plan for the town, participants seemed more interested in promoting affordable and senior housing through the state's incentive-based 40R program while the town's housing authority director suggested that two of its sites could easily be expanded to include more housing.

CHELMSFORD --- The public has 30 days to offer comments on a proposed 120-unit affordable-housing proposal for 276 Mill Road, near Billerica Road. A non-profit affiliate of the Chelmsford Housing Authority is proposing to build the new rental development with a Ch. 40B comprehensive permit.