Housing Headlines

STATE --- This spring, housing construction has hit a 26-year low, causing work to dry up for local contractors and home builders. Only 451 home permits were issued in the month of February, compared to 982 permits issued during the same month last year.

WORCESTER --- The Dedham-based Economic Development Finance Corp. received $19 million in funds to begin working on a major housing project in the downtown Worcester arts district. The project will include 200 condominium and apartment units, as well as two large commercial areas and resident parking.

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.

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.

LAWRENCE --- The non-profit Lawrence Community Works is planning to team with local mill owners in a $75 million project that would transform a sprawling group of riverfront mill buildings into a complex of 150 or more apartments, a day-care center, retail shops, high-tech companies and possibly a satellite college.

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.