Housing Headlines

SOUTHBOROUGH --- Local developer Robert Moss has recently proposed the creation of an affordable housing development near Crystal Pond Road's intersection with Route 9. The 140-unit affordable housing complex would consist of 84 one-bedroom apartments and 56 two-bedroom apartments on the 16.7 acre property. Moss is at the beginning stages of the development process and is meeting with community officials to discuss the plans before moving forward.

BOSTON --- The federal department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) recently awarded a $6.7 million grant to an affordable housing development in the South End in order to retrofit the building with energy saving improvements. The retrofit, to be done by Winn Development, will allow the 500-unit Castle Square development to reduce its energy needs by 72 percent.

HAVERHILL --- Northpoint Realty Development recently announced revised plans to build 360 townhouse and garden-style apartments on 113 acres in the city's Bradford section. The new plan will increase the percentage of units reserved for low- and middle-income renters from 20 to 25 percent.

LOWELL --- A Boston-based developer is working with the current owner to redevelop the Picker Building mill site into 70 affordable and market-rate apartments. The development team has applied for $11 million in tax credits from the state and hopes to hear about funding in early fall. If the project receives the state tax credits, construction could begin in early 2012.

DORCHESTER --- A coalition of local development organization and community groups recently announced plans to revitalize four acres of vacant or blighted property, redevelop 58,000 square feet of commercial space, and create 129 affordable homes. The affordable homes would be the direct result of the renovation and reconfiguration of 81 existing apartments, preservation of an 88-unit project know as Quincy Heights, and the new construction of 48 units.

ACTON --- Financing is set to close this month on the redevelopment of a former high school building into 15 rental units for low-income residents. The complex will include three one-bedroom apartments, nine two-bedroom apartments, and three three-bedroom apartments. The $5.6 million project is being funded by a variety of sources including Acton housing gift funds, federal and Massachusetts historic tax credits, state low-income housing programs, and the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission. Construction is set to begin in the next few months.