Housing Headlines

MALDEN --- Residents around the former Malden Hospital site made it clear at a recent community meeting that they don't like a developer's plan to build 375 units and instead indicated a preference for mostly green space, passive recreation areas and some moderate-income housing.

WESTWOOD --- In addition to all the retail that will be opening, the new University Station development near the Westwood commuter rail stop will also see 350 one- and two-bedroom apartments start leasing this spring, with 69 of those units considered affordable.

PLYMOUTH ---A former industrial site at the Plymouth waterfront that was taken over and cleaned up by the Plymouth Redevelopment Authority will be redeveloped in 42 units by Southern Dunes LLC., an affiliate of Karsten Company. Four of the units will be affordable in compliance with the town's inclusionary zoning bylaw.

SOUTH HADLEY --- While noting that he supports the state's housing law known as Ch. 40B, Rep. John Scibak said in a public forum he is working with other legislators on changes to the law to stop the practice of developers threatening to build larger projects with 40B so that towns will accept smaller proposals.

NORWOOD --- In an effort to gain control over Ch. 40B developments by proving that 1.5 percent of its developable land is being used for affordable housing, the town's 1.5 Percent Task Force is seeking land donations so it can convert private land to public land, thus reducing the amount of land that would be considered developable.

SUDBURY --- Selectmen are considering writing a letter to Raytheon suggesting that the company's property be used for affordable housing after it leaves next year. Local officials said the Raytheon property is key to the town's efforts to reach the state's affordable housing requirement and that they would prefer that the housing be rental and for seniors, so the site wouldn't add more school children to its "overburdened" school system.