Housing Headlines

MARBLEHEAD --- At the January 28 selectmen's meeting, members gave initial approval to a plan that would develop two 40R smart-growth zoning sites for affordable housing. The proposed projects would be mixed-income with 20 percent of each development designated for affordable housing. Selectmen are awaiting DHCD authorization before the plan can move forward.

NORTHAMPTON --- Earlier this month, Valley CDC purchased a gutted downtown building to be converted into eight one-room apartments for homeless or low-income people with commercial space on the first floor. Valley CDC is currently pursuing financing from the Department of Housing and Community Development as well as city CPA funds and Smith College.

WESTFORD --- The ZBA and developers of the proposed 208-unit Graniteville Woods condominium development recently identified issues and considerations requiring more research before a 40B permit is issued by the town. The board expressed particular concern about earth and gravel removal at the project and the proposed hours of construction. More information about the project's next step will be provided at the February ZBA meeting.

WESTFIELD --- Domus Inc. will soon open 21 rental apartments for low to moderate income residents at the former site of the Sanford Whip Factory. The development will consist of 15 studio units and six one-bedroom units, as well as two community rooms and an educational room with computers. Funding for this project came from state and Community Economic Development Assistance Corporation (CEDAC) funds.

BOSTON --- The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) recently announced that they will provide $11.3 million for two elderly affordable rental projects in Dorchester and West Roxbury. In Dorchester, the Neustra Comunidad Development Corp. will receive $5.3 million for 40 new units at the proposed Quincy Commons development. In West Roxbury, the proposed Cheriton Heights development will receive $6 million for the creation of 70 new units. Both projects are awaiting approval from the Boston Redevelopment Authority.

NORTH ADAMS --- Scarafoni Associates recently expanded its real-estate holdings in Berkshire County with the purchase of Berkshire Landings, an affordable housing complex off Union Street. The 25-unit complex will receive federal funding from the Department of Agriculture in order to maintain affordability. David Carver, managing partner of Scarafoni Associates, said the company would embark on a multiple-year improvement plan starting in the spring