Housing Headlines

BROOKLINE --- This town will be an interesting test for the state's new MBTA multifamily zoning law. As one of 12 towns served by rapid transit, it must have an approved zoning plan in place by the end of the year. But unlike all but one other community served by rapid transit, Brookline is governed by Town Meeting so the new zoning that is being is drawn up for Coolidge Corner must be approved by 2/3rds of the voters, not a few elected city representatives. The Globe's Andrew Brinker reports on the aried reactions to the proposal and why Brookline could be a bellwether for other MBTA zoning proposals subject to a Town Meeting vote.

DRACUT --- At a packed Board of Selectman meeting, officials and residents raised concerns about a proposed 300-unit housing development in East Dracut. Known as the Murphy’s Farm development, local officials and resident voiced concern about the proposal's impact on traffic, safety, sewers and schools. Final local approval for the project rests with the town's Zoning Board of Appeals.

GLOUCESTER --- Residents next door to the former Cape Ann YMCA have been asked to leave temporarily for safety reasons now that demolition is underway for an affordable senior housing development to proceed. The former Y building will make way for the John J. Meany Senior Affordable Housing development, made up of 44 one-bedroom apartments for those 62 and older. Selective demolition has been ongoing at the site since late fall.

WATERTOWN --- Watertown got approval from the state to charge linkage fees on new developments to raise money for affordable housing. With that OK, the city will now review a zoning amendment that would set the fee to be paid by new developments. The amendment, which is calling for a charge of $11.12 per square foot, will go before the planning board for a public hearing and then City Council, which makes the ultimate decision on whether to approve the amendment.

TRURO --- Asked for her reaction to claims that having 10 percent of its housing affordable would make Truro a leader on the Cape, MHP's Laura Shufelt said it would be a mistake for the town to think that since less than 25 percent of its supply is considered year-round. Shufelt said 10 percent is an arbitrary number related to achieving safe harbor from Ch. 40B. She said it should not be a substitute for a needs analysis that would show how much housing the town actually needs to house workers, families and people with disabilities.

MIDDLEBOROUGH --- One day after a Boston Globe story detailed the town's crticisms of the state's MBTA multifamily zoning law and its decision not to file a required action plan, the Town of Middleborough issued a press release through a public relations firm clarifying the town's position on MBTA Community Zoning Requirements. "After lengthy and careful deliberation involving all community stakeholders, the Town of Middleborough has respectfully decided to not submit an action plan at this time," the statement said.