Housing Headlines

NEW BEDFORD --- Although the city council on April 10 rescinded its approval of the sale of a former school for $100,000 to the Women's Institute, an organization that creates affordable housing, several parties with an interest in the sale said Tuesday they remain hopeful the deal can be put back together.

HOPKINTON --- Selectmen have endorsed using $450,0000 in community preservation money for the Hopkinton Housing Authority's proposed 12-unit rental housing development. According to the HHA, town funds will leverage nearly $3 million in public and private investment. The measure still must be approved at the May 5 town meeting.

BOSTON --- The U.S. Department of Housing and Community Development (HUD) has awarded the Boston Housing Authority (BHA) a $20 million grant to support the redevelopment of the nearly 60-year-old Washington Beech public housing complex. HUD's HOPE VI Revitalization grant will enable BHA to demolish the 266-unit development and replace it with 139 public housing units and 126 affordable rental units. The redevelopment plan also includes 71 affordable homes for purchase.

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.