Housing Headlines

BOSTON --- The Boston Redevelopment Authority (BRA) recently approved two new residential projects in two Boston neighborhoods. The 319 A Street project, in South Boston's Innovation District, will bring 184 new rental apartments to the area, 24 of which will be designated as affordable for residents below a certain income level. The project will also include the creation of 27 "innovation housing" units intended for individuals whose income is too high to qualify for formally restricted affordable housing units but who are often priced out of the housing market. The second approved project, 9-23 Griggs Street, will transform a former garage in Allston into 100 new residents units.

PAXTON --- Developers of the Muir Meadow housing development recently outlined their plans to the Board of Selectmen. The project is set to include 87 units on a 58-acre site off 203 Pleasant Street with a certain number of units set aside as affordable units.

LEOMINSTER --- A re-opening ceremony was recently held for the Silver Leaf Terrace affordable housing project which recently underwent an $8 million renovation. The renovation of 216 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, spread out over seven buildings, was done while tenants remained in their homes. The renovations included new carpeting, paint, upgrades to bathrooms, and new flooring as well as exterior upgrades.

WORCESTER --- The development company converting the former Worcester Vocational School into 28 market-rate apartments recently announced that construction on the project could begin as soon as January. Acorn Management Co. has received the blessing of the city's zoning and planning boards and if they receive their building permit soon construction could wrap up sometime next summer.

CAMBRIDGE --- Developers of a derailed housing complex recently announced that project is back on track to be created. The proposal includes the razing of the former Faces nightclub at 223 Concord Turnpike and the creation of 227 units of rental housing in its place. If the city council approves this revived plan, construction could begin later this year.

YARMOUTH --- The town is working with Stratford Capital Group to rehabilitate the former John Simpkins Elementary School into affordable senior apartments. The project, estimated to cost $15 million, will create 65 affordable housing units for residents ages 65 and over. Construction is expected to be completed in the spring or summer of 2012.