Housing Headlines

WORCESTER --- A celebration to mark the progress of a decade-long, multi-million dollar public-private effort to revitalize 30 acres in the Main South neighborhood also rekindled talk as to how the city's community development corporations will fit into the city's evolving housing policy, which has proposed expanding grant opportunities to more private developers.

EASTHAMPTON --- With voters about to decide whether to authorize a bond to build a new high school, the town received some good news as the state will reimburse the town for 64 percent of the cost, one percent and $400,000 more than the town expected. Officials say the town received "bonus" points for having adopted higher density zoning for housing in the spring.

CHICOPEE --- Responding to concerns about how a proposed 81-acre smart growth district might impact city services and schools, the city has downsized the new district by 80 percent. The zone still includes the former Cabotville Mill buildings, which a New York developer is hoping to turn into 200 condominiums.

CHARLTON --- Springfield-based HAP Inc. has threatened to abandon its rehabilitation of the 40-unit Cady Brook Apartments if Charlton and neighboring Sturbridge cannot iron out an amended agreement allowing the project to receive its water from Sturbridge.

FALL RIVER --- Programs at the downtown YMCA appeared in question after the city's Community Development Agency this week demanded payment of $262,000 in loans that came due Saturday on a $10 million renovation and single-room housing project Mayor Will Flanagan pulled support for in March.

SALEM --- A four-year fight against the St. Joseph Church redevelopment ended recently when the state's Supreme Judicial Court refused to hear an appeal by neigbhors and landlords, clearing the way for the Planning Office for Urban Affairs to develop the church site and rectory into 65 to 75 affordable rental housing apartments for families.