Housing Headlines

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on the South Shore are trying to get their projects started so as to avoid having their permits revoked if the law is repealed in November.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.

NEWTON --- After hearing concerns from his disabilities committee, Mayor Setti Warren will not allow the non-profit CAN-DO to redevelop a Commonwealth Ave. property into a home for veterans until the developer takes steps to make the project handicapped accessible. The city is supporting the project with $375,000 in CPA funds and CAN-DO Executive Director Josephine McNeil said federal and state laws do not require accessibility for small projects, and holding up the project would keep the intended occupants homeless for a longer period of time.