Housing Headlines

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.

WEST SPRINGFIELD --- This city's housing authority is one of seven in the state to receive funds for energy improvements and upgrades. West Springfield is getting $660,730 of the $4.49 million in recovery funds allocated. Also receiving funds were Everett ($2 million); Millbury ($156,030); Nahant ($66,715); Natick ($515,160); Northampton ($492,000); Peabody ($454,075) and Westborough ($88,065).

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.

HOLYOKE --- In an example of how abandoned properties can lead to de-stabilizing neighborhoods, a suspicious fire in a vacant apartment building on South East Street prompted about a dozen nearby residents to evacuate their homes.

EASTHAMPTON --- In an attempt to attract affordable housing developers and build interest in the redevelopment of two vacant mill complexes, the city council last week OK'd the creation of two smart growth overlay districts. (Subscription may be required to read this story).

FRAMINGHAM --- The Residences at Dennison Triangle, a former downtown factory converted into condominiums, sold for $10 million at an April 27 public auction as part of foreclosure proceedings. The property was purchased by Jeffrey Libert and his associates, who form Dennison Bishop LLC of Newton. Last year, this group assumed the project's construction loan after the original developer, Framingham 4, had defaulted.