Housing Headlines

WESTBORO --- Developer Francis P. Zarette recently proposed a mixed-used development off Route 9 that would contain 172 units of rental housing. The apartments units would consist of 86 one-bedroom apartments and 86 two-bedroom apartments with ten percent of the units designated as affordable. The Board of Selectmen has recommended the project for approval to the ZBA.

EAST BOSTON --- The ZBA recently approved East Boston Community Development Corporation's affordable rental project proposal at 170 Maverick Street. The EBCDC proposes the new construction of a three-story building with 27 units of affordable rental housing. The building's occupants will be determined by an affordable housing lottery after construction is complete.

MELROSE --- Developer Caritas Communities Inc. recently completed the rehabilitation of a former nursing home into 14 SRO units on Vine Street. The rehab included converting 10,000 square feet of the former MacKenzie Nursing Home into 14 single rooms with private bathrooms and a common kitchen area. The project received funding from the state Department of Housing and Community Development and the North Suburban Consortium.

EASTON --- Beacon Communities Development recently reached a tentative agreement to purchase the former Ames shovel factory from private developers George and Robert Turner. Beacon plans to turn the complex into 119 apartments along with a museum, a self-guided walking tour, and a 1.5-acre public park. The Community Preservation Committee will hear the developer's full plans in December but several selectmen have already indicated that they support the plan.

NATICK --- Local developer Chris Carr recently proposed the new construction of a condominium complex near downtown. The 42-unit project would be created under a "housing overlay option" thereby allowing the creation of a denser complex than would usually be allowed. Additionally, 15 percent of the condominium units would be reserved for households earning below 80 percent of the area median income.

WILLIAMSTOWN --- The ZBA recently voted to issue a comprehensive permit to Church Corner LLC developers for the construction of eight affordable housing units at the site of a former church and rectory. The project will also use $1.2 million in Community Preservation Act funds to develop the units.