Housing Headlines

NEW BEDFORD --- The city says a year-long battle between "demolitionists" and preservationists may be nearing an end, with the owner of the Cliftex Mill building nearing an agreement to sell his property to a development partnership that promises to preserve the mill by using historic tax credits to fund an affordable housing development.

PEABODY --- The Carriage House Motel, long a refuge for individuals and families caught between more permanent living situations, has been shut down by the city due to various complaints and code violations.

SUDBURY --- AvalonBay has backed away from plans to buy a family farm and build a 200-unit residential rental community. Previously, the town had tried and failed to buy the land with $600,000 in CPA funds.

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.

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.

NORTHAMPTON --- The city council is weighing a request to use $225,000 in Community Preservation Act funds to help renovate an 11-room rooming house in the Florence section of the city. The grant would help the local non-profit Valley Community Development Corporation do a $2 million upgrade on the property.