Housing Headlines

WALPOLE --- Fairfield Residential LLP has proposed building a 198-unit rental housing development on the former site of Walpole Woodworkers. Selectmen are considering whether to draft a memorandum that would explore whether the town would consider this project as a smart growth Chapter 40R project.

FALMOUTH --- While Woods Hole residents have been criticized for opposing plan to turn 15.7 acres into 15 units of affordable housing, an employer argues that he and other businessman have bought homes for their workers to live, but that the state doesn't recognize or count them as affordable.

SCITUATE --- The town's affordable housing summit drew a large turnout, signifying interest in being proactive about the shortage of affordable housing in town. Scituate's affordable housing stock is 4.5 percent, making it susceptible to 40B developments.

NEW BEDFORD --- Although the city council on April 10 rescinded its approval of the sale of a former school for $100,000 to the Women's Institute, an organization that creates affordable housing, several parties with an interest in the sale said Tuesday they remain hopeful the deal can be put back together.

HOPKINTON --- Selectmen have endorsed using $450,0000 in community preservation money for the Hopkinton Housing Authority's proposed 12-unit rental housing development. According to the HHA, town funds will leverage nearly $3 million in public and private investment. The measure still must be approved at the May 5 town meeting.

BOSTON --- The U.S. Department of Housing and Community Development (HUD) has awarded the Boston Housing Authority (BHA) a $20 million grant to support the redevelopment of the nearly 60-year-old Washington Beech public housing complex. HUD's HOPE VI Revitalization grant will enable BHA to demolish the 266-unit development and replace it with 139 public housing units and 126 affordable rental units. The redevelopment plan also includes 71 affordable homes for purchase.