Housing Headlines

BOSTON --- In a decision that a developer's representative called "unbelievable," the Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Council (JPNC) Zoning Committee on July 16 voted 5-4 against a plan to demolish a two-family home at 71 South St. and replace it with a four-unit building. Developer Peter Fenn worked with neighbors for two years on a compromise that cut his plan from five to four units but three residents who were not part of the compromise discussions rejected it. Fenn needed an affirmative vote because the property is zoned for three units max.

BOSTON --- In a Boston Business Journal cover story, real estate reporter Thomas Grillo examines why Greater Boston's meager housing production has resulted in higher home prices that could threaten the region's economic growth, if employers and employees choose to move elsewhere.

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.

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.

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.