Housing Headlines

SANDWICH --- The town has approved a controversial plan that will develop 47 acres of former farmland into low-income housing and will include 10 rooms for homeless Sandwich residents.

CHELMSFORD --- Not having reached the required 10 percent affordable housing requirement, the town approved a proposal for a 59-unit 40B effort. Selectmen had already reduced the size of the effort, and the developer expressed disapproval of a further size reduction, saying that it would compromise the effort's affordability.

SPRINGFIELD --- The definition of affordable housing varies depending on the average income in each community. In spite of this variability, this article says that affordable housing is necessary and the federal government is a key component to getting it done.

ORLEANS --- Town selectmen recently approved an 8-unit affordable housing effort that will bring the town closer to reaching 10 percent affordability in its rental housing stock.

KINGSTON --- Opponents question the size of a 40R effort that is being proposed for a sandpit in Kingston located near the commuter rail, while proponents say that the site is ideal for development.

FITCHBURG --- Planners eye land at the intersection of routes 2 and 31 as the potential location of a future commuter rail station, which would serve the quickly growing residential population in the area.