Housing Headlines

AMESBURY --- Officials will confer with the town's attorney this week to determine their next legal steps after recent state court decisions ruled in favor of two Chapter 40B housing proposals totalling over 300 units.

FALL RIVER --- The plan to raze and replace the 100-unit Watuppa Heights housing project with 60 units of homeownership and rental housing has drawn criticism from the city council, who fear many of the units will be filled by non-Fall River residents.

SUDBURY --- The Greater Worcester Habitat for Humanity plans to partner with the Sudbury Housing Authority on a 40B effort that will create a duplex with one two- and one three-bedroom home, and be affordable to families earning up to 50 percent of the area median income, which is $42,900 for a household of four.

HINGHAM --- A warrant article to create smart growth zoning districts for two housing proposals was defeated earlier this month when the measure did not get the necessary two-thirds majority. Town meeting voted 145-118 in favor of creating a 40R district for a town-owned parcel on Beal St. and a Lincoln St. site owned by the development company Avalon Bay. Despite the vote, a planning board member predicted that both projects will be built.

WEST YARMOUTH --- Following the suspension of his operating license by local public health officials over the "transient" nature of his residents, the owner of three Rt. 28 motels says he will go to court to establish that he has the legal right to rent his units long-term. Homeless advocates fear that if the town succeeds in shutting down Harry Miller's three hotels, nearly 200 people will be homeless.

HOPKINTON --- At its May 5 town meeting, voters overwhelmingly approved a zoning change that clears the way for a development company proceed with plans to turn the former Weston Nurseries site into a 77-acre development that will include over 900 houses and 450,000 square feet of commercial space.