Housing Headlines

HAVERHILL --- The Boston Archdiocese has received $5.1 million from the state to kick-start a 57-unit housing project in an old shoe factory next to the downtown train station.

WILLIAMSTOWN -- While it has been years in the making, the vision of Cable Mills is moving closer to reality with project bids expected back next month. Bart J. Mitchell, president of Mitchell Properties LLC of Boston, said Wednesday night at a dinner hosted by the Williamstown Chamber of Commerce, bidding on the project was underway. He said the company is hoping to get the construction prices in October so it can estimate pre-construction unit sale prices and advertise them.

ANDOVER --- A developer's plan to build 32 three-bedroom townhouse condominiums on 12 acres is getting a chilly reception from neighbors, who fear the 40B project will crowd schools, clog roads and eat up open space. Andover's affordable housing percentage recently dipped below 10 percent after the 220-unit Riverview Apartment's 20-year affordability restriction expired last year. Developers have greater latitude to build housing at densities greater than local zoning allows in towns that are under 10 percent.

BILLERICA --- For the first time in its 17-year history, the regional Habitat for Humanity chapter filed a foreclosure notice, alleging that the homeowner never lived in the house, and rented out rooms to friends and family.

WELLESLEY --- Once a destination for shoppers looking for hardware store items, groceries and cars, Linden St. celebrated the beginning of a new era earlier this month as Federal Realty had an open house for the affordable units in its 40B rental project.

NATICK --- The latest proposal for the former Natick Paperboard factory includes 138 apartments, some of which will be considered affordable, and a dozen townhouses to be sold at the market rate. Developer Barberry Homes of Framingham presented the latest plans to the Planning Board earlier this month. The project would be built under the state's Chapter 40R affordable housing regulations, which require 20 percent of the units to be rented at below market rates.