Housing Headlines

PEABODY --- Recently, in an 8-2 vote, the city council voted to eliminate its inclusionary zoning buyout option, which allowed developers to pay a lump sum to the city instead of including affordable housing in its developments. The mayor still has the opportunity to veto the decision.

GROVELAND --- Coming Home Inc. has purchased a former rectory and parish hall in Groveland and is proposing to build 15 energy-efficient affordable townhouses for families with annual incomes of $30,000 to $80,000. Developers hope to clear up any uncertainty citizens might have about the project in the coming months.

MARTHA'S VINEYARD ---This article contains the most detail about opposition to plans to build 11 units of housing (9 affordable) in Oak Bluffs. Since then, affordable housing groups and opponents have agreed to a cooling off period and will try again to have a public discussion on Oct. 23.

LUNENBURG --- In advance of public meetings being held to discuss various housing proposals before the town, residents voice their concern about the potential impact if all 1000 proposed homes and condos are built.

BOXFORD --- The town has begun debating plans to turn 37 acres into a mix of affordable housing, recreational fields and open space. Purchased from a local family for $3.3 million, the town is seeking feedback on a proposal to construct 20 affordable housing units, various athletic fields and set aside 25 acres as open space.

EASTHAMPTON - The planning board has endorsed an ordinance that will create incentives for developers to build affordable housing, but said they want projects to go through the rigorous special permit process. If approved by the city council, the ordinance will replace a 1995 ordinance that encouraged developers to provide housing for people who are over 55 or who are handicapped by allowing increased density.