Housing Headlines

Opinion: A non-profit leader urges the new administration to consider streamlining the screening processes to make it simpler, faster, and more forgiving for families who need low-income housing.

MARION --- A 7,000 square foot mixed-use building designed to resemble a traditional New England marketplace is set to open next month, but still awaits approval for the 'friendly 40B' planned for the second floor.

NEEDHAM --- Town leaders have put together a ten year 'project development plan', plotting how the town will meet its 10 percent affordable housing goal. Needham currently has one 40B effort underway and has several ideas which include a buy-down program and another downtown 40B.

BELMONT --- Opponents of the approved 40B Belmont Uplands plan have taken a legal suit to the state, claiming that the low number of three-bedroom units in the effort is discrimination against families with children. This is the first suit of its kind in Massachusetts, though precedents have been set in other states.

PROVINCETOWN --- A motel will be converted into 12 affordable apartments, made possible by the town's commitment of $735,000 in community preservation funds for the effort.

CHELMSFORD --- Selectmen await results from a drainage analysis in hopes that they will be able to sell the land and create housing through a 40B effort.