Housing Headlines

READING --- At special town meeting in December, residents voted to amend zoning bylaws so that the vacant 25-acre Addison-Wesley Longman site can be developed into a mixed-use development that would feature town houses, senior residences, apartments and office space. National Development is proposing to build 16 town houses, 160 senior residences, 202 apartments and office space.

WALTHAM --- On December 11, 2007, the Waltha City Council voted to adopt a state law that will allow them to create a Municipal Affordable Affordable Housing Trust, which would have the power to create, own and manage affordable housing projects for the city.

CHICOPEE --- As part of his effort to boost owner-occupied homes in town, Chicopee's mayor has set aside $250,000 to offer financial assistance to first time homebuyers.

GLOUCESTER --- A private lender representing a consortium of banks has taken ownership instead of foreclosing on the 33 unsold condominiums at Pond View Village. After slashing prices by about a third, the lender has successfully resumed selling the remaining units despite the slumping market.

LENOX --- The Lenox Affordable Housing Corporation, a local nonprofit organization, has come up with a plan to cooperate with housing developers and give community members a greater voice in deciding what housing projects are built in town.

NATICK --- Twenty-six people were certified as potential homebuyers after an affordable housing lottery was held last month. In total, 48 affordable homes were created in Natick following an agreement when the town approved General Growth Properties Inc.'s 215-unitNouvelle at Natick condominium tower. Twenty-two units are still available to interested and qualified buyers.