Housing Headlines

FALMOUTH --- The president and chief executive officer of the Falmouth Chamber of Commerce told the school committee that the Lawrence School property could be a possible site for affordable housing. Michael D. Kasparian's suggestion got mixed reviews at the Falmouth School Committee meeting. He cited declining enrollment and said proceeds from the sale of the property to a developer could be used to build a new junior high at the high school campus. One committee member said buildings must be protected for the students and noted that money has been spent on improvements at the school. Another said that something needs to be done about the housing crisis and that school enrollment declines are “tied into housing.”

BEDFORD --- The Bedford Planning Board endorsed a concept draft of a proposed Local Initiative Project (LIP) on land off Carlisle Road. As a LIP, it is exempt under state law from zoning density requirements because 25 percent of the units will meet the state’s definition of “affordable housing.” The plan calls for 139 housing units with 1.8 parking spaces per unit. Once the plans receive approval from the Housing Partnership, the Select Board, and the state Department of Housing and Community Development, they advance to the Zoning Board of Appeals for a comprehensive permit.

HOLYOKE --- Renters expressed their concerns about rising rents, lack of affordable housing, poor conditions and the need for a tenant's bill of rights during a Holyoke City Council Public Safety Committee hearing. One resident spoke about poor conditions in her building, including leaky pipes, a faulty ceiling, an illegal heating system and rodents. Ward 5 Councilor Linda Vacon said she has “actively” sought increased enforcement related to housing issues. She gave out her cell phone number to hearing participants.

SALISBURY --- The Supreme Judicial Court has upheld a provision in the state’s new housing choice law that allows developers of affordable housing to ask opponents to post a bond in some cases. The ruling came in the case of a group of abutters and others objecting to a condominium development plan that includes affordable units. At issue was whether the bond provision applies to comprehensive permits issued under “40B.” The court ruled that it does.

AUBURN --- A 60-unit mixed-income development for seniors is opening at 3 Vinal St. The Julia Bancroft Apartments project is led by developer Pennrose Properties. The development is a rehabilitation of Julia Bancroft Elementary School. It offers 45 units for residents at or below 60 percent of area median income with the remainder at market rate. This is the second historic school in Auburn to be redeveloped into senior housing by Pennrose, the first being the Mary D. Stone School. MHP provided a $1.8 million permanent loan for the Stone project from its bank-funded loan pool.

SOUTHAMPTON --- At a special town meeting voters approved establishing a municipal affordable housing trust. About 2 percent of the homes in Southampton are considered affordable, far below the state requirement of 10 percent. The Select Board will appoint a board of five trustees who will govern the trust. Creating affordable housing has been a high priority in the town’s housing production plan and has also been a goal outlined in the town’s master plan. MHP has been working with the town on creating a housing trust.