Housing Headlines

MARLBOROUGH --- A developer who has submitted plans for a 95-unit development has offered to pay the town cash rather than include affordable units in his plans. Town leaders indicate that they would use the cash to create affordable units elsewhere in town.

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.

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.

SE Mass --- In the first in a series of meetings between SouthCoast towns and The Standard-Times editorial board, Marion and Dartmouth housing advocates sat down to explain what they are doing and some of the barriers they face in combating the shortage of affordable homes.

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.

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.