Housing Headlines

EASTON --- The town has taken steps to begin what would be its first 40R smart growth venture. At a selectmen's meeting, the land owner proposed an effort that would include 220 apartments and 60 condos as well as retail space.

CHELMSFORD --- The housing authority's executive director argues that it makes sense to support higher density 40B efforts because they will save more of the town's open space while also keeping units more affordable.

TAUNTON --- A hard-working mother has become a homeowner thanks to an initiative begun by ProHome, a non-profit Taunton-based affordable housing organization that purchased and fixed the three-bedroom home, placed an affordable deed restriction on it, and sold it to her for under $200,000. The sale proceeds will go towards construction of another affordable home next door.

SHREWSBURY --- Town leaders have taken a proactive approach to affordable housing by creating a competitive bid process among potential developers, which will give the town greater control over the size and location of any proposed 40B effort.

NATICK --- The town is looking to hire a consultant to market two condos that have been reserved for households earning less than 80 percent of the median income. The condos were built as a result of a housing overlay district meant to increase affordable housing in Natick.

AMESBURY --- After the town had rejected a developer's 40B proposal, the state overrode the decision because the town has not reached the state's minimum requirement for affordable housing. Now, the town has appealed the decision and seeks to negotiate with the developer to reduce the size of the effort.