Housing Headlines

NORTH ANDOVER --- The state recently announced that it will award over $2.7 million in subsidy to the Neighborhood of Affordable Housing Inc. (NOAH) Stevens Corner project. The state money will help create 42 affordable rental units in a vacant nursing home while utilizing green building technology.

SANDWICH --- Selectmen recently approved the Sandwich Housing Authority's request for $1.8 million in Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds to build 24 affordable rental units. The apartments will consist of four one-bedroom units, 16 two-bedroom units, and four three-bedroom units. A town meeting to approve the proposal will take place on May 4.

WORCESTER --- The Canal Lofts housing development recently received state approval to use new state and federal tax credits to draw investors. Winn Developers will receive $576,000 in federal credits and $2.5 million in state tax credits to help finance the rehabilitation of the former mill site. The project is expected to product 65 units for rent, with 32 units designated as affordable for low- to moderate-income families.

WELLESLEY --- At a recent town meeting, two measures were approved allowing more than more than $1 million in CPA funds to be spent on affordable housing. The first measure will allow $700,000 to be spent for renovations at the Waldo Court affordable housing complex, consisting of 12 two-bedroom units. The second measure will reserve $350,000 for the town housing development corporation to buy affordable housing as it becomes available.

WAREHAM --- Selectmen recently approved an increase in the number of units for a proposed development at 361 Main Street. The new project proposal will include six units of affordable rental housing and two market-rate rental units. Developers say they plan to start construction this summer and hope to complete the project by the end of the year.

WEBSTER --- Selectmen will soon be presented with recommendations from a review committee outlining development proposals for the former A.J. Sitkowski School. While all of the four proposals envision residential use for the building and have put maintenance of the building's historic integrity at the top of their lists, they vary in the number of units proposed, the target market, and in the bidding price for the property.