Housing Headlines

BOSTON --- The state Department of Housing and Community Development today released a report that analyzes current housing market fundamentals and what the likely demand for housing will be through 2012. Researched by the University of Massachusetts' Donahue Institute, the report was commissioned to "ensure that we are building housing that will boost our economy and help attract new jobs and businesses to Massachusetts," said Housing and Community Development Undersecretary Tina Brooks. To read more about this report, click the title of this summary.

STATE --- The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation plans to award the state $4.5 million to preserve the long-term affordability of existing privately owned rental housing. The foundation will also target $3.5 million in program-related investments, or low-cost loans, to support a $150 million preservation loan fund to develop and acquire preservation projects. Governor Patrick's office stated that the money will "preserve affordable rental homes for an estimated 9,000 families, or more than 20 percent of the rental housing now at-risk of being lost."

FITCHBURG --- New Hampshire-based MDP Development Inc. recently proposed the construction of a mixed-use complex in a vacant mill the developer purchased in January. Initial plans for the complex call for creating around 150 units of housing. MDP Development Inc. expects to submit design plans to the city planning board for consideration within a few months.

FALMOUTH --- In an effort to increase the number of affordable units, the planning board recently voted to recommend a resident-submitted article making it easier for homeowners to get accessory apartment permits in the town. An accessory apartment is defined by the town bylaw as a dwelling unit added to or created within a single-family dwelling with provision for independent cooking, living, bathroom facilities, and sleeping occupying no more than 30 percent of the gross floor area of the principal structure. The resident noted that the article would help reach the state goal of 10 percent affordable housing, assist in slowing the exodus of young people, and provide additional tax revenues.

BURLINGTON --- The planning board recently approved developer Robert Murray's proposed 37-unit development on Cambridge Street. The 37 units will be housed in one three-story building and one two-story building. At the suggestion of the planning board, Murray said he plans to designate affordable units in the development or present a cash donation to a housing fund if affordable units are not constructed.

NORWELL --- Town officials recently declined an offer to purchase open agricultural property, leaving it open to a 40B affordable housing development. Residents hoped that town officials would approve the purchase of the land in order to derail the 40B project. Developer John Corcoran plans to build a 200-unit affordable rental project, Norwell Commons, and is awaiting approval from the ZBA.