Housing Headlines

BOSTON --- On the web site MHP created to address the issue of how the state can allow the housing it needs to grow and sustain its economy, we take a quick look at MassInc's recent report on how regional funding strategies cold help the MBTA address its deficits while having funds left over to improve regional transit systems.

HINGHAM --- While waiting for $750,000 in state funding, the developers of six affordable homes for military veterans are proceeding with construction and hope to be done by next Memorial Day, thanks to an interim loan from Rockland Trust. The developers - Father Bill's and Main Spring Inc. - have also received crucial support from the town when it voted last spring to appropriate $250,000 in Community Preservation Act funds to the project.

SUDBURY - Fire officials and Zoning Board of Appeals members at a Ch. 40B permit hearing have voiced concern about the safety of a planned Landham Road 120-unit, 35 acre apartment complex, criticizing the lack of a secondary access road. But Westborough developer Robert Moss said town's proposed requirements were above and beyond what similar developments have been built to in recent years.

HARVARD --- The story of the impending foreclosure of two town affordable housing properties took an interesting twist recently as the development company proposing to build housing at Devens took a look at the two properties. Trinity Financial President Jim Keefe said he agreed to see the Harvard Inn and Great Elms properties to better understand the situation. Trinity is in the midst of trying to convince three towns - Harvard, Shirley and Ayer - to OK its plans to build 246 units of housing at the former military base.

LOWELL --- Despite city council's demand that work inspections be done with state and federal officials present, the housing authority has begun tearing down walls and inspecting electrical, gas and plumbing work that was finished and sealed up without final approval of city building inspectors. In addition, the housing authority board voted unanimously at a recent meeting that a Lowell Sun reporter covering the issue cannot step on HA property without permission.

LEOMINSTER --- Construction work has begun on the adaptive reuse of a historic Whiting paper mill into 40 affordable rental homes. Developed by the Twin Cities CDC and funded with federal Low Income Housing Tax Credits, the project has created over 100 jobs, according to the construction company hired to do the work.