Housing Headlines

VINEYARD HAVEN --- The nonprofit Island Housing Trust has been able to break ground on a six-unit affordable homeownership effort thanks in part to the town's approval of a Chapter 40B comprehensive permit and $380,000 in Community Preservation Act funds. Accoring tto IHT's Philip Jordi, Wentworth Way will be built in two phases, with two duplexes expected to be done and sold by next spring to income-qualified households earning 80 percent and 100 percent of the average median income (AMI).

SUDBURY --- Around 60 residents packed the hearing room in Lower Town Hall recently to hear the Zoning Board of Appeal's consultant advice on how the town should proceed in considering a comprehensive permit (40B) application by Avalon Bay to build 120 apartments.

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.