Housing Headlines

DRACUT --- The town housing authority recently announced that they will purchase and rehabilitate a senior housing complex starting in December. Improvements will include an updated sprinkler system, new handicapped-accessible units, a new roof, new windows and doors, and bringing the building's elevator up to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The 38 rental units will be affordable with seniors paying 30 percent of their income in rent.

PROVINCETOWN --- Boston-based Community Builders developers recently received approval from the zoning board of appeals to build an $11 million affordable housing complex at 90 Shank Painter Road. Developers estimate that construction of the 50 low- and moderate-income rental apartments will begin in November 2009.

BARNSTABLE --- The town housing authority recently presented a plan to residents to build 12 units of affordable housing at 70 Stage Coach Road. The units will be contained in three two-story buildings, with one- and two-bedroom rental apartments. Sandee Perry, the housing authority's executive director, noted that potential renters would include "small families, young folks starting out, [and] older folks on fixed incomes." The housing authority is currently seeking a comprehensive permit from the Zoning Board of Appeals for the project.

SALEM --- The North Shore Home Consortium recently awarded the Salem Mission $200,000 for its new housing project, the conversion of a former church into 20 studio apartments for the homeless. This is the first major award for the project which is expected to cost more than $3 million.

BOSTON --- Longtime Boston developer Arthur Winn recently announced his retirement. Winn's son Gilbert and managing partner Lawrence Curtis will take over the business starting this month.

CONCORD --- Trammel Crow Residential developers are struggling to find investors for a large 40B apartment complex, raising concerns among town officials that construction will not begin in time to stave off other developments. Of the 350 rental units, 88 would be designated as affordable for lower-income renters. If Trammel Crow does not take out a building permit by November, a year from when the project received approval from the town, the state will no longer count the 350 proposed units towards Concord's 10 percent affordable housing.