Housing Headlines

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.