Housing Headlines

BOSTON --- The Boston Redevelopment Authority recently approved two redevelopment projects in South Boston and West Roxbury. The Distillery project consists of the redevelopment of a former rum distillery into 65 residential units, some of which will be artist live-work lofts. The Gordon's Wood project consists of the redevelopment a former nursing home into 42 new homeownership units, with five units designated as affordable. Both projects are expected to begin construction sometime in the next year.

FRAMINGHAM --- Jewish Community Housing for the Elderly recent announced that they have secured all funding for the new construction of a 150-unit affordable senior housing complex on Edmands Road. The project received federal stimulus funds from the state in addition to $6.6 million in tax credit investments from the Brookline Bank and the Massachusetts Housing Investment Corporation (MHIC).

SOUTHBOROUGH --- Developer Robert Heavey recently proposed the construction of 16 homebuyer units off Oak Hill Road at Route 9. The 40B project would consist of five duplex units and two, three-unit buildings, with four units designated as affordable. The local zoning board of appeals is currently reviewing the project and will conduct a public meeting in October.

SCITUATE --- Developer Merrill Diamond recently submitted an informal proposal to build an affordable housing project on the former Pier 44 site. The 40B project, proposed under a local-initiative process involving input from town officials, will feature two 14-unit buildings with six or seven units reserved as affordable.

WESTPORT --- A local co-housing group recently announced plans to propose the construction of 24 units of housing on three acres in or near Central Village. The co-housing spokeswoman Elaine Ostroff said the group envisions, "a small-scale neighborhood created with the active involvement of the people who want to live there." The 40B project would designate six homebuyer units as affordable. Proponents will hold a public meeting at the Macomber Community House on August 20 to present their plans and answer questions.

CAMBRIDGE --- Homeowner's Rehab Inc. recently presented plans for the construction of a 40-unit affordable rental project to the city Planning Board. The 40 apartments will be housed in two buildings: a 34-unit four-story building and a six-unit three-story building. Residents have expressed concern about the density and design of the complex. The next Planning Board meeting will take place on Tuesday, Aug. 18 at 7:30 p.m. in the second floor meeting room at City Hall Annex located at 344 Broadway.