Housing Headlines

QUINCY - Quincy-based developer Peter McLoughlin, founder of Boston Property Development, has permission from the city to construct a 23-unit condominium building on the outskirts of Quincy Center. The Planning Board recently approved McLoughlin's plan to a former commercial building on Merrymount Road and knock down an abutting vacant home to make room for parking.

BOSTON --- A bill aimed at helping homeowners who purchased foreclosed homes in recent years is winding through the state Legislature, and supporters hope it will pass before the session ends Thursday. It would reduce the amount of time people would have to challenge the legitimacy of a foreclosure and sue for the title from 20 years to about three.

HOPEDALE --- Delayed for almost 20 years due to a resident challenge and then a slumping housing market, the town is now being asked to consider a developer's bid to seek a Ch. 40B comprehensive permit from the town to build a 16 single-family homes off Boyd Road, which is off off Hopedale St. just south of Rt. 16.

FALL RIVER --- In its ongoing effort to bring market-rate residential housing to the city, the city's planning epartment will hold a public meeting introducing two new zones meant to attract developers who would utilize a new state tax credits program designed to help Gateway Cities produce more market-rate housing.

AMHERST --- A private organization may soon help people find affordable housing in Amherst in an effort to encourage home ownership and prevent neighborhoods from being overrun by student-rental properties.

VINEYARD HAVEN --- The Martha's Vineyard Commission has determined that a proposed six-unit affordable rental housing development next to a super market in the the busy Five Corners intersection in Vineyard Haven would not contribute to traffic problems or have other adverse affects on the community.