Housing Headlines

NATICK --- The Community Development Director introduced a 40B proposal at town meeting that would add 404 affordable units in two buildings near the Natick Mall. The new units would help Natick surpass the state's 10 percent affordable housing requirement.

BOLTON --- A town that had rejected the Community Preservation Act in 2002 by 12 votes has now voted in favor of adopting the three percent tax surcharge. The measure must win voter approval at the town election in May to be enacted. A minimum of 10 percent of funds raised must go towards affordable housing creation.

BOSTON --- The Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Council (JPNC) voted unanimously to endorse a petition that calls for 50 percent of housing developed as part of the Forest Hills Improvement Initiative to be affordable.

CHATHAM --- Residents are up-in-arms about the results of a housing lottery. While 70 percent of the units are required to be reserved for applicants with strong ties to Chatham, some are saying that the lottery process was unfair and secretive.

DORCHESTER --- A developers' decision to use a non-labor contractor to complete a major project in Lower Mills has drawn loud protest from the Carpenters Union Local 67 and inspired City Council President Maureen Feeney to consider legislation that would hold developers more accountable for promises they make to community groups when seeking city approval.

ARLINGTON --- Town officials met and heard a presentation from officials of JPI, a nationwide developer of housing. The Texas-based company has recently partnered with EA Fish to develop housing on the former Symmes Hospital site. Plans call for the site to have rental housing, with the project being converted to condos down the road.