Housing Headlines

QUINCY --- Over 150 residents from the Squantum section of Quincy packed a public meeting to let a developer know they did not want to see 14 condominiums built on the grounds of a former Catholic Church. After the meeting, Victor Sheen of Oakgrove Residential said his company would not try to override resident concerns by pursuing a Ch. 40B comprehensive permit but would come back to the community with a plan for single-family homes. (HT Commonwealth Magazine).

HYANNIS --- The Barnstable Town Council is expected to hear several reports on Thursday, Sept. 17 regarding the growing homeless population in downtown Hyannis. The police chief is expected to detail what it costs the town monitor the homeless population while representatives from the Housing Assistance Corp. and other nonprofits will be asked about how shelters are managed and how they keep track of clients. "We want facts and figures. It's time to bring this out in the open," said Jessica Rapp Grassetti, town council president.

WALTHAM --- The city's Community Preservation Committee has passed by a 6-1 vote a proposal to use $2 million in CPA funds to create a local rental voucher program that will provide rental subsidies to landlords so they can offer lower rents. The idea, put forth by the CPC and the Waltham Housing Authority, must still be approved by the city.

HOLYOKE --- Governor Charlie Baker and Undersecretary of Housing and Community Development Chrystal Kornegay announced today over $29 million in federal and state tax credit awards to fund the development, renovation and preservation of nearly 1,484 housing units (1,119 affordable) across the Commonwealth.

MARTHA'S VINEYARD --- In an eloquent column in the Martha's Vineyard Times, Island Housing Trust Executive Director Philippe Jordi says the major impact of the housing crisis is losing neighbors you've known for years and that's why the trust has set a goal of building 120 new affordable homes for "300 of our neighbors" by 2020.

NANTUCKET --- The Historic District Commission made a bit of history of its own recently, approving by a 5-0 vote the design for one of six buildings that will comprise Nantucket's first apartment complex, a 28-unit development of studios, one- and two-bedroom apartments for the island's year-round work force.