Housing Headlines

BROOKLINE --- Two housing advocacy groups have reached agreement on a compliance plan for the MBTA Communities Act. The agreement builds on a “consensus plan” put forward by Brookline town staff which would rezone Harvard Street to make it easier for developers to build multifamily housing in buildings as tall as four stories. There is still a long road to passage, and final approval rests with Town Meeting members who would need to approve the measure by a two-thirds vote next month.

SOMERVILLE --- Mark Development, a Newton- and New York-based developer, has purchased the former Star Market, plans to demolish it and replace it with two six-story buildings. The development will include 288 units of rental housing — 132 of them affordable — along with ground-level retail. The supermarket in Somerville’s Winter Hill neighborhood, has stood vacant for nearly two decades.

Worcester --- Worcester Housing Authority is seeking federal funding for redevelopment of the Lakeside Apartments complex at a cost of at least $260 million. The complex currently has 202 units. Proposed changes include increasing the capacity to 328 affordable units, while also having 28 home ownership units. Funding applications have been sent to the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

WAREHAM --- Construction has begun on 93 new family and senior apartments. One-, two- and three-bedroom affordable and workforce apartments will be available at various income tiers. A housing lottery will be conducted, Pennrose is the developer. Completion is slated for summer 2024.

BOSTON --- A new development will bring 41 new housing units to East Boston’s Orient Heights Square. The Ford Street building will house 27 units, and the Saratoga Street building will have 14 units, seven of which will be income-restricted. At least one building will be considered for the city of Boston’s voucher program. The development is close to the MBTA Blue line and will have space for bicycle parking for both residents and visitors.

HAVERHILL --- Bethany Community Services has launched an affordable housing lottery for Merrimack Place and its 48 apartments now under construction on Water Street, near Central Plaza. The lottery is for people 62 and older. An informational meeting about the application and lottery process is scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 6.