Housing Headlines

LOWELL --- The city's bid to transform the Hamilton Canal District from old mills into a new residential and commercial district cleared a major hurdle when a federal court ruled in favor of the city's taking seven acres by eminent domain from developer James T. Lichoulas Jr.

BROCKTON --- With $1.3 million from the city, state, and a charitable grant, the Brockton Housing Authority plans to prevent neighborhood blight by purchasing up to six multi-family homes that are vacant due to foreclosure. Rockland Bank also provided a $1.5 million line of credit to the BHA, which plans to renovate and then rent and manage the properties.

BILLERICA --- The housing authority is exploring the idea of building affordable housing on part of a 40-acre tract that the town has purchased from the Cabot Corporation. At a recent meeting, the housing authority said it has a 350-person waiting list that includes families, military veterans, senior citizens and the disabled.

BOSTON --- Local officials are hopeful that a $1.25 billion bond bill passed this month by the House of Representatives will result in modernization and upgrades to their state-funded affordable housing portfolio, while helping to create 600 to 700 new units.

SALEM --- The number of foreclosures on the North Shore more than tripled last year and building inspectors in both Peabody and Salem say this has led to more abandoned buildings in both communities.

BOSTON --- In what the blog roundup web site Universal Hub sarcastically called the longest NIMBY story ever written, MYSouthEnd.com reports on efforts by residents to stop or reduce plans by the Pine Street Inn to establish housing for formerly homeless individuals in three row homes on Upton Street.