Housing Headlines

SOUTH YARMOUTH --- Dennis-Yarmouth civic students have examined the housing crisis as part of their U.S. History education. They created a website compiling information, possible solutions and the results of a survey they conducted with teachers. One student said he wants to advocate at town meetings for more housing.

NEWTON --- Hoping to revitalize neighborhood commercial centers while adding affordable housing, the city is proposing developments of no more than four and a half stories on commercial streets with the option of buildings being taller if they provide more affordable housing. Some fear the proposal will lead to a loss of the city's historic and pastoral flavor. Similar concerns are being raised in other towns and cities covered by the new MBTA communities law.

ARLINGTON --- In a letter sent to the Town Meeting members, Ottoson Middle School students asked for a change in zoning bylaws to allow for more multifamily homes. They have asked for the creation of a new district that allows for the construction of multifamily homes and creation of pockets of multifamily housing zones around public transportation. The letter states that students believe that spreading multifamily homes around town will create more ethnic diversity in Arlington Public Schools.

QUINCY --- NeighborWorks Housing Solutions recently celebrated the ribbon-cutting of their newest development at 54 Winter Street. In partnership with the City of Quincy, Curtis Construction, West-Work Architects, and Father Bill’s and MainSpring, the development will provide 18 units of permanent supportive housing. This special needs development will provide homes for individuals who have experienced homelessness.

Gloucester --- Valerina Gloucester LLC is seeking to amend the existing permit for an eight-townhouse condominium to pay a fee “in lieu” rather than build an affordable unit onsite. The attorney on behalf of the owner states that more good can be done to address East Gloucester’s workforce housing needs by contributing to the affordable housing trust fund rather than building a standalone on-site unit. The matter has been continued to the Council’s next planning and development committee meeting scheduled for June 21.

WILLIAMSTOWN --- By a handful of votes, a motion to expand zoning for manufactured homes failed at town meeting. The proposal called for a zoning reclassification of manufactured mobile homes as a single-family residence. Planning Board member Stephanie Boyd said the move would have addressed the town's affordable housing concerns. A realtor speaking at the meeting stated that the proposed reclassification would not change the reality that manufactured mobile homes depreciate in value.