Housing Headlines

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.

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.

BROOKLINE --- The owner of Hancock Village, a 789-unit residential and commercial development, is approaching the neighborhood about possibly doubling the number of apartments on the Brookline side. In the past, the town has identified the parcel as one of the few sites in town where more affordable housing and density could go. The Hancock Village Planning Committee's first meeting to discuss this proposal is scheduled for Wednesday, March 4, 2009 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Baker School.

FALL RIVER --- The city redevelopment authority recently awarded Peabody Supportive Housing LLC developers a contract for the Durfee Tech project. The $12 million project would consist of 49 rental units, 29 of which would be affordable two-bedroom apartments. The other 20 units would be loft-style apartments marketed to working artists. Residents protested the contract citing the need for a development more focused on "the creative economy" and downtown/waterfront revitalization.

WORCESTER --- Reporter Thomas Caywood looks into "toxic real estate assets" in the city and the difficulty facing city officials in attempting to find property owners to hold responsible for neglected properties.

BREWSTER--- The town's housing authority recently brought a proposal before the board of selectmen for a 50-unit, mixed-income rental development. The development would consist of 37 two-bedroom units and 13 one-bedroom units with up to 70 percent of units reserved for Brewster residents. The proposed project would be built with funding and development assistance from MHP and the state's Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD).