Housing Headlines

CAMBRIDGE --- On Tuesday, November 30 Just A Start Corporation will present their project plans for a new affordable housing complex to community members. The new building, called Elm Place, will include 19 affordable rental units and one retail space. The building is set to open in May 2011 and applications for the units will be available starting on November 29.

BOSTON --- The Boston Redevelopment Authority (BRA) recently approved five new residential developments in neighborhoods scattered throughout the city. In total, the new projects will create 438 units of housing of which 266 units will be affordable.

LUNENBURG --- Construction is expected to wrap up on the first phase of the Tri Town Landing 40R housing development in the next few months. This phase of development involved the new construction of 66 rental units in two building with 60 units designated as affordable for low-income residents. Prices on the rental units will range from $675 for a one-bedroom to $935 for a three-bedroom.

WESTFORD --- A groundbreaking ceremony was recently held on a 5.3 acre lot off Boston Road set to become a community of year-round cottage dwellers. The Cottages in the Woods development will consist of 20 two- and three-bedroom cottages ranging from 900 to 1,100 square feet. The homes will be priced between $142,000 and $158,000 and will be available for purchase through a lottery of applicants earning no more than 80 percent of the area median income.

SALEM --- State and local officials recently gathered at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Glenridge Apartments affordable senior complex off Veterans Memorial Highway. The 26-unit development will be affordable to residents earning at or below 60 percent of the area median income, $35,880 for a single person. The development also incorporates green building technology, stormwater management, and low-impact landscaping.

BRIGHTON --- A 29 year old affordable housing complex recently received $2.7 million in federal grants funds to "greenly" renovate their space. The Covenant House building was one of seven affordable housing developments in Massachusetts to receive grant money to help reduce energy costs, cut water consumption, and improve indoor air quality. The project's sponsor, B'nai B'rith Housing New England, said most of the renovations are already complete and the project should be finished at the end of next month.