Housing Headlines

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."

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.