Housing Headlines

EASTHAMPTON --- The City Council voted to appropriate $150,000 in community preservation money to the Easthampton Housing Partnership. The partnership has drafted three proposals for the funds - offering interest free loans for renters to pay first and last month's rent and a security deposit; providing rent subsidies for a predetermined amount of time; and providing down payment and closing cost assistance to homebuyers.

CHELMSFORD --- The Housing Authority has trimmed back its proposed affordable-housing development for seniors after meeting with residents. Housing Authority Executive Director David Hedison has told selectmen that the board has agreed to reduce the number of units from 50 to 37, trim its height from four stories to three and construct a flat roof that will reduce the building's size and accommodate solar panels. Hedison said he expects to secure more than $8 million in state and federal funds to underwrite construction of the project.

LENOX --- Despite a drop in housing prices, it's still widely accepted that most residents in Lenox can't afford to buy a home in town. To reverse this, the Community Development Corporation of South Berkshire is hoping to develop a 19-acre tract into affordable homes for local homebuyers. Their proposal has already received $300,000 in funding commitments from local churches.

HINGHAM --- At a public hearing on January 9, selectmen voted to apply to the state for 40R designation for the Avalon Bay and Beal Street projects. Selectman Laura Burns said the town could be paid $200,000 for creating the so-called ''smart growth overlay districts.'' The town also would be paid $3,000 for each affordable home built. The Avalon Bay project includes affordable apartments near the commuter boat; the Beal Street project will have affordable two-family homes near the West Hingham train station.

CONCORD --- The Zoning Board of Appeals delayed a decision on a proposed 350-unit development on Old Powder Mill Road at its meeting on January 3. The rental project, proposed by a subsidiary or Trammel Crowe, includes 88 units of rental housing.

SALISBURY --- In the wake of recent criticism about 40B, a Salisbury builder says developers are getting a bad rap and should be recognized for providing affordable housing.