Housing Headlines

NEWTON --- The Massachusetts Housing Appeals Committee has rejected Newton's claim that 1.5 percent of its land is being used for subsidized housing, one of the thresholds a community can reach to gain more control over Ch. 40B housing proposals. The state committee rejected the city's assertion that a YMCA and three golf courses should excluded from the town's total land area.

TEWKSBURY --- With only 18 subsidized units in town large enough for families and waiting lists up to 10 years long, the selectmen and other town officials are planning to meet this summer to discuss ways to increase the town's supply of affordable housing by encouraging developers and/or utilizing town-owned land for housing.

ANDOVER --- A $35,000 study commissioned by the town found that residents would like to see smaller, more affordable independent living projects near downtown so they can downsize and remain in the community.

BOSTON --- The Bay State Banner kicked off a two-part series on how Boston's soaring home prices are impacting the elderly with a story by reporter Sandra Larson on how high rents are putting the squeeze on the city's elderly, especially in the South End and Chinatown.

NATICK --- In an ongoing effort to reduce vacancy rates at its properties, the Natick Housing Authority is planning to renovate a two-family home into two two-bedroom apartments and to turn the Coolidge House on South Main St. into 10 one-bedroom apartments.

BILLERICA --- Residents on Alpine Road are hopeful they can prevail upon developer Ray Cormier of Andover to reduce his preliminary plans to build 180 to 200 apartments in a neighborhood of predominantly small single-family homes.