Housing Headlines

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.

SHREWSBURY --- The Worcester Telegram talks to some of the residents living in the affordable units at AvalonBay's new Shrewsbury development and examines other AvalonBay 40B efforts and proposals in its circulation area.

SPRINGFIELD --- Local officials expect construction of a homeless shelter and resource center to begin in the spring, with an opening expected by March 2009. The $12 million project will include renovation of the existing Worthington Street shelter into single-room and efficiency apartments and construction of an adjacent building that will house an emergency shelter and dining area. The Patrick Administration and the Springfield Finance Control Board have each committed $2 million to the project and the local Friends of Homelessness say they are nearing their goal of raising $1 million in private donations.