Housing Headlines

BRIDGEWATER --- A ribbon cutting marked the grand opening of McElwain School Apartments, Bridgewater's newest housing development and testament to preserving history while embracing modern living, offering both affordable and market-rate apartments. The former elementary school building had been vacant since 1994. The complex is now home to 57 households.

STATE --- A WBUR and Pro Publica investigation finds that local housing agencies have repurposed 120 subsidized apartment units across the state despite a long waitlist for affordable housing. Many housing agencies are quietly using subsidized apartments for other purposes, like office space, laundry rooms and storage. The investigation found that one cause of prolonged vacancies is the flawed online waitlist system the state launched four years ago.

BOSTON --- In a speech to business leaders, Mayor Michelle Wu promised a comprehensive update to a 60-year-old zoning code she called “long, dense, and internally inconsistent in ways that make planning confusing, unpredictable, and costly.” Currently, building in Boston can be a tortuous process.

METHUEN --- Ground has been broken for a development by the YWCA of Greater Newburyport for the lowest income senior households. The complex will feature 48 one-bedroom units for senior households who also qualify for nursing home level care. “Homelessness is a crisis in the country, not just in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts,” said Mayor Neil Perry. “Projects like these are so important.”

ATHOL --- Through the Community Development Block Grant Program, the Franklin County Regional Housing & Redevelopment Authority received $800,000 to be put toward rehabilitating at least 16 homes for qualifying households in Charlemont and Wendell, as well as an additional $350,000 to renovate at least seven homes in Orange. The money will be used for initial lead paint risk assessments or full lead abatement inspections, post-abatement compliance inspections and code violation corrections.

GREAT BARRINGTON --- The Accessory Dwelling Unit Subcommittee of the Affordable Housing Trust Fund will meet on September 12 to discuss whether accessory dwelling units might help create more affordable housing in the community. The pilot plan, which would make grants from a $150,000 fund, was conceived amid a scramble to come up with affordable housing options in the community.