Housing Headlines

CHELMSFORD --- The local board of health insists its new regulations limiting the stay of homeless families at hotels and motels is rooted in doing what's best for them, but some are concerned the rules will push families out of town and open Chelmsford to legal battles.

BOSTON --- WBUR launches a four-part series looking at the problem of "no fault evictions" in East Boston, which are forcing more and more long-term tenants out of their apartments so rents can be raised.

BOSTON --- Subject to a favorable review by the Boston Redevelopment Authority, Caritas Communities plans to redevelop a vacant public housing development site in South Boston into a $15.6 million, 47-unit housing complex for seniors.

BOSTON --- The Archdiocese of Boston's Planning Office of Urban Affairs and Mattapan-based Caribbean Integration CDC are proposing to co-develop the former Cote car dealership site into 52 apartments and 24 townhouses.

NANTUCKET --- Nantucket town meeting voters approved sweeping changes in zoning bylaws in November, voting "yes" to changes that will allow single-family-home density of up to nine units per acre and apartment density of up to 23 units per acre, on two parcels that total 32 acres, located halfway between downtown and the airport.

SHREWSBURY --- Discussion continued on a proposal by Smart Growth Design Inc. to pursue a Ch. 40B permit from the town so it can build 300 apartments on 16 acres near Rt. 20. Called Pointe Hill Farms, the proposal has been opposed by selectmen because some of the project would be built on land that is zoned industrial. Nearby residents have hired a lawyer and have raised concerns about the size, open space, impact on property values and height of the buildings.