Housing Headlines

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.

SPRINGFIELD - A non-profit organization on the city's north side has announced plans to turn two tax-title properties into affordable housing for first-time homebuyers. North End Housing Initiative President Michael Denney said the organization hopes to do more of this type of development. The effort is being supported by the state Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) and Bay State Health Care, which has made a seven-year, $700,000 commitment to support neighborhood stabilization efforts.

AMHERST - Housing officials are hoping the town will take advantage of a 2005 state law that allows municipalities to create a housing trust without having to apply for a home-rule petition.

MARTHA'S VINEYARD --- The Martha's Vineyard Commission (MVC) turned up the heat last week on the Cozy Hearth development, a self-funded initiative by an Island electrical contractor to create affordable housing for some of his employees, family, and friends. The commission postponed a recent hearing but will meet again next month to ask the developer how he'll deal with issues like wastewater disposal, road and traffic issues, income eligibility requirements, and resale profits.

WESTPORT --- The town's plans for an affordable housing complex called Noquochoke Village are moving forward, with a request for proposals expected to be issued at the end of September or first week of October.

GROTON --- Three years after designating Capstone Properties as the developer for a 2.1 acre downtown site, selectmen say that if they don't get details about how the company will develop the site, they will ask the developer to withdraw its proposal and the town will issue a new RFP. The town hopes to see the site developed into retail and affordable housing.