Housing Headlines

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.

FALMOUTH --- The Falmouth Planning Department staff will begin a six-month process to update the town's affordable housing plan to comply with new state 40bregulations. At a recent meeting between selectmen, the planning board and the town's affordable hosuing committee, Falmouth Assistant Town Planner Marlene V. McCollem said that instead of the state requiring that towns create three-quarters of one percent of their town stock as affordable every year, towns now only require the town create one-half of one percent. For Falmouth, that means that the town must create 73 units instead of 109 units.

HOLDEN --- The DPW Director's concerns about sewer capacity may force a developer to reduce his 246-unit 40B rental housing proposal for this town located just north of Worcester. At a recent zoning board of appeals meeting, developer Scott Sundin said he may have to reduce his project from eight to six buildings and his unit count to under 200 units.

SALEM --- A Woburn-based developer has completed construction of 15 affordable housing condominium units in Salem Point's Neighborhood for the Salem Harbor Community Development Corporation.

EASTON --- A proposed smart growth district for 60 acres off Rte. 138 has sharpened the public debate between affordable housing developers and local people who worry that more development will strain local services, endanger natural resources and fchange the character of the community.