Housing Headlines

WORCESTER --- The city council has OK'd new building codes that will require future residential and commercial construction to adhere to higher energy-efficiency practices. The new codes, signed into law by Gov. Patrick in 2008, give communities the local option to adopt more stringent energy-efficient codes.

SPRINGFIELD --- The Urban Land Institute's unveiling of its recommendations as to how Springfield should develop the Connecticut River waterfront near the Basketball Hall of Fame triggered some lively reader feedback, some of it typical but some of it thoughtful as to where the city should focus its resources.

MARLBOROUGH --- Developer Bob Moss told city council recently that he was surprised by the negative public reaction to a proposed zoning change that would allow him to build 70 houses on lots as small as 8,000 square feet, thereby preserving at least half of the 88-acre parcel as open space. Current zoning for developments over 50 acres requires that lots be no smaller than 15,000 feet.

CHELMSFORD --- After two-and-a-half hours of questions and debate, Town Meeting last week overwhelmingly voted to partially fund a proposed home for eight veterans on a waiting list for affordable housing. The town awarded $400,000 in community preservation funds to build a duplex at 9 Manahan St., off Chelmsford Street, that will be managed by the Chelmsford Housing Authority. The CPA money would be matched by nearly $1 million in state and federal funding to make the project a reality.

NORTHAMPTON --- The plan to allow more housing on the grounds of the former Northampton State Hospital passed a key hurdle recently as the state's Executive Office on Energy and Environmental Affairs ruled that the change will not trigger a new environmental impact report. The increase from 227 to 327 units was approved by the local state hospital citizens advisory last year.

FITCHBURG --- At a recent public discussion on mill reuse, MDP Development of New Hampshire outlined plans to renovate a former 300,000 square foot box factory into 150 apartments and 25,000 square feet of commercial space. The property, which was acquired for $1.2 million, is in a part of the city Mayor Lisa A. Wong has targeted for smart growth development.