Housing Headlines

WEYMOUTH --- State and local leaders gathered yesterday to celebrate the beginning of the redevelopment of the 1500-acre South Weymouth Naval Air Station. Stalled during the economic crisis, the first phase calls for the construction of 500 homes, with with another 2,300 homes, 2 million square feet of stores, and offices, film studios, and a golf course to come later. The project has been bolstered by $45 million in state funds, which were used to build a 3.5 mile parkway through the project.

With the fate of the state's affordable housing law (40B) now in the hands of the voters, developers on the South Shore are trying to get their projects started so as to avoid having their permits revoked if the law is repealed in November.

LAWRENCE --- In coordination with the city and state, Lawrence Community Works is taking steps to stabilize neighborhoods by purchasing distressed properties in areas hard-hit by foreclosure and turning them into stable rental properties.

CARLISLE --- After nearly two years of discussions, the local zoning board of appeals has approved a comprehensive permit, giving East Boston-based non-profit NOAH the go-ahead to build 26 units of rental housing for seniors. According to plans, 22 units are expected to be affordable.

With more developers abandoning 55-and-over projects before construction even begins, MetroWest communities are taking a look at decisions made by towns like Northborough, which after 18 months of debate, voted to allow a stalled over-55 development proceed without age restriction.

CHELSEA --- With the non-profit Chelsea Neighborhood Developers taking the lead on the affordable housing side and Mitchell Properties handling the development of market-rate housing, a former industrial site now known as the Box District has been revitalized with new rental and homeownership housing. Developers are now planning the final phase and are slated to go before city this summer for necessary permits.