Housing Headlines

LOWELL --- The Coalition for a Better Acre recently announced plans to build 48 rental units for middle-income families on the site of the former St. Peter's Church on Gorham Street. The proposed project will include four one-bedroom apartments, 36 two-bedroom apartments, and eight three-bedroom apartments in two newly constructed six-story buildings. All of the units will be affordable to residents earning at or below 60 percent of the area median income, which translates to a minimum income of $29,000 and a maximum income of $53,000 for a family of four. Construction on this project could begin as early as the fall of 2012.

SOMERVILLE --- The 5.5 acre project, know as Maxwell's Green, is poised to break ground in the late May. The development will feature 199 rental units, 25 of which will be designated as affordable. The development will also include a yoga studio, weight room, club room, wireless work space, theater room, and green space.

LITTLETON --- A Concord developer recently proposed the new construction of a 200-unit apartment complex near the Acton line. Of the 200 units, 40 units would be restricted for low-income families earning no more than 50 percent of the area median income. The developer still needs site approval from the state as well as approval from various town boards to begin the project.

WAKEFIELD --- Construction is set to begin on a 4.17 acre mixed-income development called Legacy Park Wakefield. The project will consist of 142 (one, two, and three-bedroom) units of which a certain percentage will be designated as affordable. The development company expects that apartments will start leasing at the end of the year.

GROTON --- A property located at 134 Main Street is set to become a "village-style" complex of small shops and condominium units. The complex will consist of 18 condominium units, three of which will be reserved as affordable for families making at or below a certain income.

FITCHBURG --- Christmas Oaks Development and Management LLC recently purchased the former St. Joseph school building for $245,000. The developer plans to convert the 107-year-old building into 27 affordable one-bedroom apartments for tenants over the age of 55.