Housing Headlines

YARMOUTH --- At the recent special town meeting, voters approved a non-binding warrant article urging the town to buy back or seize 19 acres that was given to the housing authority 20 years ago for affordable housing. The warrant article stemmed from a petition drive by residents concerned that the housing authority's preliminary plan to build in phases over 100 units of housing may impact wetlands, cause flooding and more traffic.

PITTSFIELD -- Work will begin today toward the conversion of the former A.H. Rice silk mill into affordable housing -- a $14.7 million project that local business leaders and housing officials expect will revitalize the Morningside neighborhood.

FRAMINGHAM --- The $32 million renovation of the public housing authority's World War II era development at Concord place is nearing completion, as all families have moved into the 110 renovated town houses. Housing authoirty officials say they have succeeded in renting the apartments to people in three income tiers ranging from about $100 to $1,100 a month depending on income.

BOSTON, Oct. 17, 2011 - The Patrick-Murray Administration today announced $64.5 million in affordable housing resources and tax credits directed to support the construction of 25 rental developments in 15 communities across Massachusetts. The projects will create an estimated 1,500 construction jobs. Funding from today's announcement will support projects in Acton, Arlington, Beverly, Boston, Cambridge, Chicopee, Danvers, Gloucester, Lee, Lunenburg, Mashpee, New Bedford, Somerville, Springfield and Worcester.

ANDOVER --- The Andover Zoning Board of Appeals will be busy for the next several months as it is holding hearing on two applications for 40B comprehensive permits - a 288-unit proposal on 10 acres on Shattuck Road and a 298-unit proposal on the grounds of the Rolling Green golf course.

In an opinion piece for the local paper, Plymouth's community development director, Bruce Arons, worries about the lack of affordable housing given that wages have not kept up with the high cost of housing, even though prices have dipped lately.