Housing Headlines

NORTHAMPTON --- This past Tuesday was a big day for 11 homeless women veterans as they began to move into a new $1.7 million 16-unit facility developed by the nonprofit Soldier On. The new facility is located on the campus of the Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

EASTHAM --- Faced with intense opposition to a developer's proposal to build 115 units on a former Rt. 6 driving range, town officials are looking at two town parcels - the 10-acre Purcell property and 18 acres off Balwic Road - as possible locations for affordable housing.

NANTUCKET --- Lawyers for Atlantic Development have submitted a letter to the town that addresses the board of selectmen's unanimous opposition of the developer's intention to seek a Ch. 40B permit so it can build 60 apartments.

WEST ROXBURY --- Local developer Peter Davos has proposed an 80-unit apartment complex for the former International House of Pancake restaurant site, 11 of which would be affordable as required by the City of Boston. Davos said there would be 20 three-, 40 two- and 20 one-bedroom apartments.

AMHERST --- A home-rule petition which gives Amherst a tool encouraging developers to provide affordable housing through property tax relief has been approved by the state Legislature. The approval allows the town to consider tax incentives for any residential or mixed-use development with 10 or more units in which 10 percent are affordable.

HAVERHILL --- Viewpoint at Bixby Crossing - the first downtown industrial site to be turned into apartments - will be undergoing a facelift as Boston Andes Capital LLC has announced a $5 million plan to add seven market-rate apartments, better common space and a balcony that will extend over the Merrimack River.