Housing Headlines

BOSTON --- A state web site has been redesigned to make it easier for people with disabilities to find accessible housing. Located at www.massaccesshousingregistry.org, the new site features vacant and wait list information for affordable rental housing in Massachusetts, including housing for those with disabilities. The site also provides the ability for property managers and landlords post available rental units. "This is a win-win for consumers looking for housing that meet their needs and for housing owners and managers who want to rent their units as quickly as possible," said Tina Brooks, the state's undersecretary for housing. The online registry is funded by the state and the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission. It is managed by the Citizens' Housing and Planning Association.

OAKS BLUFF --- Earlier this month, voters rejected a proposal to rescind $400,000 in Community Preservation Act (CPA) funding previously approved by voters for the Bradley Square affordable housing project. The 11-unit project is slated for the corner of Dukes County Avenue and Masonic Avenue. Some community members asserted that the town did not provide selectmen sufficient time to analyze the project or hold enough public hearings. A Department of Housing and Community Development spokesman said the state agency is satisfied the applicants have followed all necessary procedures, allowing the project to move forward.

BOSTON --- Nuestra Comunidad has acquired a 3-decker house at 21 Dacia Street in Dorchester. The community development corporation plans to renovate the home, rent the apartments and eventually sell the property when the real estate market recovers. Nuestra hopes to purchase about 12 multi-family properties to continue its revitalization of this neighborhood and to stop decay due to foreclosure. Financing for Nuestra's efforts is coming from the state's Neighborhood Stabilization Loan Fund, a program supported by the Patrick Administration, the Massachusetts Housing Investment Corp., the Massachusetts Housing Partnership, the Boston Foundation and the Hyams Foundation.

NORTHAMPTON --- The state agency responsible for overseeing the redevelopment of the former Northampton State hospital has received initial approval to add 100 more units. The local Citizens' Advisory Council recently OK'd the request by MassDevelopment, boosting the project's total to 307. A MassDevelopment official explained that the project was shifting away from its original plan, which included 20 large estate lots, and is now proposing to build smaller, less expensive homes in greater numbers. The new request still has to be approved by the city's planning board.

MARBLEHEAD --- The Fair Housing Committee introduced a proposal to the board of selectmen to construct an 18-unit 40B homeownership complex on town-owned land. Nine units would be designated as affordable, available by lottery for families earning below 80 percent of the area median income. The project would be funded largely on the sale of the nine market-rate units in the complex. The board elected to hold off on endorsement of the project until all members of the board were present, but encouraged developers to conduct more research about potential impacts on neighboring land.

PEABODY --- Habitat for Humanity of the North Shore intends to purchase and rehabilitate three properties on Park Street to create eight affordable housing units. The eight new homes would be sold to local families who earn less than 40 percent of the area median income, which is $34,000 for a family of four. Habitat has received $500,000 in Community Preservation Act funds from the city and plans to finance the rest with a combination of public and private funds. Once Habitat purchases 5 and 12 Park Street they will have 120 days to secure their financing or the deal will expire.