Housing Headlines

Boosting the housing stock with starter homes could ensure that future generations can stay and thrive in Massachusetts, but a bill that would allow starter home zoning districts sits in limbo in the state legislature.

BOSTON -- After a frenzied run-up in demand and prices during the pandemic, Greater Boston’s housing market is slowing down. Homes are selling for a little less. But rising mortgage rates, inflation, and a stark supply shortage have pushed housing even further out of reach for many,

PITTSFIELD --- At a recent public hearing, Berkshire Housing Development Corp. presented plans to create 28 units of permanent supportive housing for the homeless, nine units less than what it originally proposed. In response to concerns from business owners near the proposed site, BHDC CEO Eileen Peltier said, "(This) is not a shelter. It is permanent housing ... that combines affordable housing and support services to address the needs of homeless individuals."

NEW BEDFORD --- At a forum to discuss the city's housing challenges, Michael Goodman, a senior advisor and researcher at UMass Dartmouth, said one cause for rising home prices is the expected arrival of South Coast rail service is causing a rising appetite by investors for multifamily properties. The event, sponsored by the New Bedford Housing Options for Momentum and Equity, was held to focus on the root causes of the city's crisis, in which 23 percent of households pay more than 50 percent of their income on housing.

WORCESTER --- Social service agencies say a 60 percent year-over increase in homelessness in Worcester County is impacting public health and straining public services, with searches to find homes for clients taking up to 10 to 12 months and wait lists that have doubled since the start of 2022.

LITTLETON --- The former IBM campus on King Street is being considered for a multipurpose, large-scale development project to include 780 units of affordable housing, A portion would be dedicated to retail space with options to accommodate several housing units above the stores. The project received approvals from the Select Board and other town committees. Attention now turns toward sewer hookup.