Housing Headlines

SOMERVILLE --- City officials are rejecting a lawsuit alleging that the billion-dollar renewal of Union Square is illegal, and are looking to spend significant amounts to fight it and other Union Square-related lawsuits. The lawsuit, filed last year by Aliki Phishev, the title holder of 47 Webster St, and 10 other Somerville taxpayers argues that the state-approved plan for the area is full of properties that aren't dilapidated or blighted and thus don’t meet conditions required urban renewal.

EASTHAM --- The Eastham Affordable Housing Trust is considering a request by developer Richard Hayden of the Stratford Capital Group to contribute $800,000 in local Community Preservation Act funds to support a proposed 115-unit 'friendly 40B' affordable housing development on a former Rt. 6 driving range.

MATTAPAN --- About 60 residents attended a forum on gentrification recently, with a researcher from UMass Boston presenting facts and figures on the growing wealth gap in the city and places in the neighborhood where rising real estate values could drive existing resident out. Everyone agreed that Mattapan is at risk due to the new Fairmount Line, rent and tax increases, and vacant buildings that are primed for development.

SOMERVILLE --- During his inaugural address on Martin Luther King Day, Somerville Mayor Joe Curtatone said he would be backing several recommendations put forth by the city's neighborhood working group, including one that would increase the city's inclusionary zoning standard from 12.5 to 20 percent affordable units for projects of six units or more.

GLOUCESTER --- Discussions between city officials and developers behind the bid to redevelop the Fuller School are continuing, with developers proposing a mixed-use project that includes a new YMCA, a retail component and 170 units of market-rate housing. The housing component runs contrary to the city's inclusionary zoning ordinance but then city is said to be exploring a way in which funds could be paid into the local housing trust so that affordable housing could be built elsewhere.

WEYMOUTH --- The city council wants to hear from public housing residents and check with legal counsel before it decides to spend Community Preservation Act funds to set up security cameras at the Lakeview Manor public housing complex. Councilors have concerns about privacy and whether CPA funds can be legally used for such a purpose.