Housing Headlines

HARWICH --- Six new homes being built on Murray Lane in Harwich are the latest examples of Habitat for Humanity's emphasis on energy efficiency. Cape Habitat's track record includes building the most energy efficient Habitat homes in the U.S., including three that are producing more energy they are using, according to Bob Ryley, Cape Habitat's construction director.

WORCESTER --- Repeating what he hinted at in his inaugural address last month, Worcester Mayor Joseph M. Petty told the council that it's time the city partner with the housing authority on a new development, given that the last new development was built 30 years ago and because the housing authority waiting list is 20,000.

IPSWICH --- Concerned about the impact recent developments have had on the town, the Select Board has OK'd a proposal to enact a two-year moratorium on multifamily developments of three units or more so the town can develop a master plan. Under the proposal, single-family houses would still be allowed, as would single-family subdivisions and accessory apartment conversions. Voters will have the final say on the proposal at May 10 Town Meeting.

BOSTON --- Writing for Commonwealth Magazine, Boston Foundation President and CEO Lee Pelton calls the new multifamily zoning requirement for MBTA communities a "remarkable first step" and urges citizens and leaders to hold communities accountable and add funding to the mix so more low-income renters and homebuyers can enjoy living near transit.

NORTH ADAMS --- The nonprofit Louison House, which operates Flood House in North Adams and Terry's Place in Adams, has received a $75,000 grant to support its efforts to shelter those in need. The funds come from the federal government's American Rescue Plan Act, and were requested through an amendment filed by Sen. Adam Hinds and supported by state Rep. John Barrett.

Local leaders interviewed by the MetroWest Daily News were positive about the state's new multifamily zoning requirement for MBTA communities, saying building more homes near transit and in places where people can walk, bike or take public transportation to what they need would be good for their towns.