Housing Headlines

DEDHAM --- An initiative created over increasing foreclosures numbers in the town has led to a unique church/public partnership to offer resources to distressed homeowners. Neighbors Helping Neighbors is a group that emerged to offer free advice from bankers, lawyers, and financial advisers to people dealing with distressed properties or foreclosure. Also on hand at these seminars are social service providers who are able to make connections with fuel assistance and food pantries. One meeting already occurred in November and more are being planned. For more information visit the town's website at http://www.dedham-ma.gov/.

BOSTON --- Commonwealth Ventures LLC developers recently adjusted plans to demolish a pair of turn-of-the-century warehouses in Boston's Fort Point Channel neighborhood, deciding instead to convert them into more than 100 moderately-priced apartments and live/work studios. Commonwealth Ventures LLC president Richard Galvin said he is weighing different configurations for the buildings, but he expects to seek city approval for the mix of studios and apartments this summer. The city must approves the changes before construction can begin.

SPRINGFIELD --- Springfield Neighborhood Housing Services recently completed the rehabilitation of eight blighted homes in the Mason Square area that have been converted into affordable housing units. Each house was sold to low-income families earning below 50 percent of the area median income, for a price of about $80,000 for each home. The organization is proceeding with plans to rehabilitate three additional houses in Upper Hill, and will announce a lottery drawing for eligible prospective homeowners at a later date.

EASTON --- From time to time, we've posted articles on developer Nick Mirrione's efforts to build "cottage-style" housing south of Boston. Recently, the Boston Globe took a thorough look at Mirrione's plan for Eeaston and local reaction to his proposal.

STATE --- CHAPA and state officials recently unveiled a statewide clearinghouse program aimed at taking back foreclosed properties throughout the state. The Foreclosed Properties Initiative will address the obstacle of getting foreclosed properties revitalized, re-occupied and back on the tax rolls of municipalities. CHAPA will serve as a foreclosed properties clearinghouse, connecting banks that own foreclosed properties with local organizations, who will then purchase the properties and upgrade the homes for low and moderate income families. For more information about this initiative, click the title of this summary.

HINGHAM --- The BackRiver Townhomes development is currently accepting lottery applications for five homes priced as affordable at the complex. In order to apply, applicants must have a household income at or below 80 percent of the area median income which is $66,150 for a household of four.