Housing Headlines

MANCHESTER --- In an effort to delay a a 157-unit mixed-income housing development it doesn't want, residents of Manchester have raised $1.5 million to support the North Shore Community Development Corporation's bid to acquire 29 apartments for $3.9 million. If the nonprofit is successful in acquiring the property and making the apartments permanently affordable, the town will get credit from the state for adding affordable housing and gain a two-year safe harbor from developers attempting to build with Ch. 40B permits.

A new state law that would require communities served by public transit to create at least one zoning district within a half mile of a train, bus or ferry station is getting mixed reviews along the South Shore, even though failure to do it could result in losing eligibility for other state grant programs. "I wouldn't mind more development, people have to live somewhere," said Steve Smith who lives near the Halifax station on an unpaved road. "I'm just not sure how much developable land there is left in Halifax to do that."

The public policy researcher who called Greater Boston's zoning a paper wall after studying 100 communities has written a new essay that says a regional government approach is needed to capitalize on the significant housing and job growth in Everett, Medford, Somerville, Chelsea, Malden and Charlestown. Researcher Amy Dain writes that this area is like a city center "for its density and mix of everything" but is more like "an archipelago of private developments in need of public connectivity so well known in historic downtowns."

TEWKSBURY --- A Pittsfield nonprofit dedicated to ending veteran homelessness is proposing to build 18 one-bedroom and three studio apartments for veterans at 1600 Main St. Early reaction from the Board of Selectmen to the four-story housing complex that would include some services was positive. “This makes affordable housing and services veterans, there’s nothing better than that. I think this is something we need desperately in our community,” said Selectman Mark Kratman.

NORTHAMPTON --- After a lengthy debate about the need for housing versus the impacts of more development, the Northampton City Council OK'd a zoning change that will allow two-family homes to be built throughout the city. As part of the package of zoning changes - which needs the signature of Mayor David Narkewicz to become law - all space heating in homes must be powered by wood, wind, solar or grid-sourced electricity.

SWAMPSCOTT --- The Town of Swampscott reiterated its determination to fight a 128-unit housing proposal after the state issued a site approval letter, allowing Winn Development to apply to the town's Zoning Board of Appeals for a Ch. 40B Comprehensive Land Use Permit. The 1.6 acre commercial site at 21 Elm Place is near the Swampscott commuter rail stop.