Housing Headlines

HANOVER --- The town's zoning board of appeals has rejected developer Jack Sullivan's request for a Ch. 40B comprehensive permit that would allow him to build 200 rental units near the Hanover Mall. Sullivan had prevoulsy received the ZBA's OK to build 152 condos but came back and asked to switch to rental due to a declining demand for for-sale units.

ROCKPORT --- Utilizing a blend of local, federal and charitable funds totalling nearly $600,000, Beverly-based Harborlight Community Partners has begun renovations on Pigeon Cove Ledges, a 30-unit affordable housing development for the elderly. Renovations will include adding an elevator and other upgrades to enhance safety and wheelchair accessibility.

HOPKINTON --- A proposal for an apartment complex and other buildings off West Main Street could help the town meet the state's affordable housing requirement for years to come. Land owner Paul Mastroianni envisions asking the town for a Ch. 40B comprehensive permit to redevelop land near Rt. 495 into approximately 200 apartments. The development would also include three new commercial buildings.

WORCESTER --- WinnDevelopment recently detailed plans to renovate the century-old former vocational school on Grove Street into a residential complex. The plans call for 84 one- and two-bedromo apartments with half of the apartments to be rented at discounted rates for lower-income tenants. Construction is set to begin next spring and finish up by early 2014.

BOSTON --- On the heels of Ed Glaeser's article that high prices and the lack of housing supply are big reasons why homeownership rates are down among young people comes a Boston Chamber of Commerce report that the Hub ranks number one in college graduate talent and resulting innovation.

BROCKTON --- City Housing Authority Director Richard Sergi says a new state program designed to encourage middle class housing in industrial cities could help the city modernize its downtown. The Patrick Administration's new Housing Development Incentive Program encourages construction of market-rate housing in the state's smaller industrial Gateway Cities" by offering local-option tax exemptions on increased property values and a state tax credit to support rehab costs. Projects may include commercial space, must contain no more than 50 market-rate residential units and 80 percent of the residential units must be market rate.