Housing Headlines

EASTON --- Land that was once considered for a large affordable apartment complex is under a purchase-and-sale agreement with a new developer. Iqbal Ali, president of the MetroWest Builders of Shrewsbury, has proposed to build 70 townhouses and 10 single-family homes with 18 units reserved as affordable for residents with incomes that fit within a certain range.

READING --- A developer is seeking permits to redevelop the vacant site of the former Addison-Wesley publishing company into a residential development. Developer Pulte Homes of New England wants to build 424 ownership units on the 25-acre site with 16 townhouses, 208 condominium units for people over the age of 55, and 200 condominium units with no age restrictions. The developer would reserve 40 of the condominium units with no age restriction as affordable to individuals or families that meet certain income criteria. If permitting proceeds smoothly, the developer plans to have the first units ready by spring 2012.

CONCORD --- Developers recently began construction on a 350-unit apartment development on Old Power Mill Road in the southwest corner of town. The Longview Meadow site will include 11 three-story buildings, each with 28 units, and 42 two-story town house units, for a total of 350 units. Of the 350 units, 88 will be designated as affordable. In addition, the project will include a 6,000-square-foot clubhouse with pool, fitness center, and other amenities.

LOWELL --- A ribbon-cutting ceremony was recently held to celebrate the conversion of the former St. Joseph's High School into 22 units of affordable housing. The $7.5 million project was developed by the Coalition for a Better Acre (CBA) with funding assistance from MHIC, Enterprise Bank, the city of Lowell, and the state Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD).

SOUTH BOSTON --- The Public Facilities Commission recently approved a project proposal that will convert the old South Boston Police Station on D Street into 24 affordable rental units for veterans. The developers will now spend the next year applying for funding from neighborhood development, state funding, low-income housing tax credits, and assistance from the Veterans Administration. The project is expected to break ground in the spring of 2012.

CHARLESTOWN --- The Boston Redevelopment Authority recently approved an $18 million mixed-use complex that will include affordable housing and a community center. The Bridgeview Apartment Development will consist of 60 rental units, all of which will be affordable to residents earning at or below 60 percent of the area median income (AMI).