Housing Headlines

WORCESTER --- On May 1 the Worcester Zoning Board of Appeals will consider a developer's proposal to convert a vacant lot on Mason Street into a 7-story building with 84 units of affordable housing, a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom units, including 66 parking spaces. On April 11, the City Council approved an inclusionary zoning ordinance that would designate a certain number of units in new construction as affordable.

WORCESTER --- After four votes, a rally, and heartfelt public comment, Worcester City Council passed an inclusionary zoning ordinance that strengthens the city's original proposal but falls short for affordable housing advocates. The city proposed developers of more than 12-unit projects set aside 15% of square footage at 80% of area median income or 10% of square footage at 60% AMI, and capped rent and sale prices for an affordable housing unit to no more than fair market rent or 30% of the qualifying family’s income.

STOCKBRIDGE --- In an attempt to attract more year-round residents, Select Board Chair Patrick White has crafted a proposal that would allow property owners to add accessory dwelling apartments. More than half of the town's homes are owned by non-residents.

Everett City Councilor Stephanie Martins has proposed a change to the city's inclusionary zoning law that would require any development of six units or more to include affordable housing. Currently, the law requires that developments of 10 units or more must be 15 percent affordable.

A Superior Court judge has ruled that neighbors appealing the issuance of a comprehensive permit for a 76-unit mixed-income condominium project must post a $35,000 bond to cover the costs that the developer might incur in defending against the appeal. The court has a right to require a bond under a provision added to the state zoning act in 2020.

HARVARD --- The Town of Harvard will open hearings later this month on a proposal to create a smart growth zoning district that would allow Minco Development to move forward with plans to build 243 mixed-income apartments that would addmuch-needed rental housing and could possilby help the town comply with the state's new multifamily zoning requirement for MBTA communities.