Housing Headlines

MARLBOROUGH --- The Community Development Authority board has hired Diane Sullivan as executive director, ending its seven-year stretch without a full-time chief administrator. Sullivan is currently in charge of the state brownfields program for MassDevelopment. CDA board member Michael Hogan, formerly the executive director of MassDevelopment, said Sullivan's first task will be to renew the city's ability to use the federally-funded Community Development Block Grant program. The state has not permitted the city to use the program due to reported concerns about mismanagement.

WORCESTER --- The Telegram & Gazette raises the question about the potential in amending 40B legislation to give communities greater control over density while allowing for more affordability.

SHARON --- After the state pulled the plug on a 40B proposal because of over-stated land values, the developer is now considering plans for a traditional 18-lot subdivision instead of the 52 unit effort which would have included affordable housing.

TEWKSBURY --- The Zoning Board of Appeals is expected to approve a 364-unit 40-B effort this week, which will boost the town's affordable housing up from its current level of five percent. The units will mostly be one and two bedroom apartments, and 25 percent will be considered affordable.

TAUNTON --- A developer plans to rehabilitate a 42-acre mill into a "self-contained mini community," including commercial space, condominiums, and assisted living facilities. The condominiums will be moderately priced and the developer is considering including below-market rental apartments as well.

BEVERLY --- The city has reached an agreement with developers of a 46-unit luxury condominium project to include affordable housing in the plans. Five of the six units will be located off-site. Although city leaders would prefer the units to be mixed in with the new units, they agree that the net gain of housing is more important than where they are located.