Housing Headlines

HOLYOKE --- The Holyoke Housing Authority will seek approval from the federal government to demolish the Lyman Terrace public housing complex, explaining that it would cost $24 million to renovatae the project. The 167-unit development is home to 400 resdients. After demolition, the authority said it would like to issue an RFP and have a developer build new affordable housing on the property.

UXBRIDGE --- The Uxbridge Housing Associates (UHA) recently presented a plan to selectmen to convert the historic Virginia A. Blanchard school building into affordable housing units. The preliminary plans include 21 apartments, 14 two-bedroom units and seven one-bedroom units. All units will be affordable with the hopes that local families and veterans would live in the units. If UHA was awarded the contract to develop the site they would seek state and federal funding in the fall.

SUDBURY --- Following reported working sessions with town officials, Robert Moss of Moss Development has downsized his Ch. 40B proposal to develop the Johnson Farm property, scaling back the project from 120 to 64 units. The new plan drew some positive reactions from the Zoning Board of Appeals but was viewed as still too big by residents attending a public meeting.

DEVENS --- After voters in Ayer and Harvard voted against Trinity Financial's plans to build 246 units, followers of the various attempts to redevelop the army base say it will never happen as long as development plans require approval of all three towns abutting the base.

BERLIN --- Developers recently celebrated the ground-breaking ceremony for a new elderly housing complex on Pleasant Street. The project, sponsored by Montachusett Home Care Corporation (MHCC) and Berlin Retirement Homes, will add 40 units of housing for seniors earning no more than 50 percent of the area median income (AMI) which in Berlin equates to $35,950 for a single person and $41,100 for a couple. Developers expect the project to be completed by next spring.

LOWELL --- An editorial in the Lowell Sun has urged the towns of Shirley, Ayer and Harvard to OK a 246-unit housing proposal for the former Fort Devens base, saying it will add badly needed affordable housing and help boost economic growth.