Housing Headlines

ROSLINDALE --- Florence Apartment tenants say they're encouraged by reports that the development company co-owned by former Red Sox hitter Mo Vaughn plans to keep their 138-unit building affordable. Vaughn's Omni New York LLC has announced plans to buy the the Roslindale property and another property in Jamaica Plan.

NATICK --- Due to a recent surge in 40B apartment projects, close to 100 affordable units will be available to rent or purchase now or in the near future, the town says. The town runs a lottery to determine who can rent or buy affordable housing, and the next lottery will be held Aug. 19, but applications must be received by Aug. 8.

HAVERHILL --- As a century-old paperboard mill prepares to close this fall, the city is wondering what the future will be for this and four other former commercial sites along the Merrimack River.

HOLLISTON --- The state's Housing Appeals Committee has begun its hearing on whether to uphold or overturn the town's 2006 denial of a 200-unit Ch. 40B housing project planned for contaminated land known as the former Bird property. The 52-acre site' was used as an illegal dump, tire yard and mink farm. Developer Michael Norton reached a settlement with the state earlier this year to pay for $1.25 million in past cleanup work and to finish cleaning it up if he goes ahead with plans to develop the land.

WEYMOUTH --- The latest update regarding the development of the former South Weymouth Naval Air base includes news that the developer has switched marketing firms in hopes of attracting its first commercial tenant.The 1,400-acre site, which is being developed by LNR Property Corp., is zoned to include as much as two million square feet of commercial development on 75 acres. Plans also call for up to 2,855 homes. In April, Gov. Deval Patrick backed a $42 million loan to help fund a parkway that will provide needed infrastructure for the site.

DORCHESTER --- The Boston Redevelopment Authority is reviewing a non-profit's plan to redevelop a vacant lot near Geneva Avenue and Fields Corner into a 29-unit mixed-use development with 3,700-square feet of commercial space. Viet-AID, which has developed other housing in the area, hopes to build a four-story building with a pair of three-bedroom units suitable for families along with a slew of studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments, all rental, and all classified as affordable.