Housing Headlines

WORCESTER --- The redevelopment at the former Worcester Vocational School site is set to begin in the coming weeks. The first phase of the redevelopment will involve removing asbestos, razing the building, and removing soil that was contaminated from leaking underground fuel oil tanks. The second phase of development will consist of Winn Development renovating a remaining brick building on the site into 67 rental units.

ASHLAND --- The ZBA recently approved a 28-unit housing complex off Foundation Street named Overlook Commons. Seven out of the 28 units will be designated as affordable for families who meet specific income criteria.

TOWNSEND --- A developer who previously received a comprehensive permit to build 45 free-standing condominiums is going back to the ZBA with a plan to build rental units. Developer Gary Lorden plans to build two buildings each with 24 two-bedroom units. The affordable units would be available to residents earning at or below 80 percent of the area median income ($64,000 for a family of four).

HAVERHILL --- State and local officials recently celebrated the opening of a four-building 40R rental complex on the former site of a shoe factory. The Hamel Mill Lofts will contain 305 one- and two-bedroom rental units with 20 percent of the units designated as affordable. Affordable rents will range from $740 to $1,800 per month.

ROCKLAND --- Towns officials are working on plans to create a new senior center and a 40-50 unit affordable housing complex on 12 acres between Albion Court and Norman Street. The town received the land as a gift and is currently looking for state and federal grants to cover the project's construction and operating costs.

BOSTON --- Equity Residential developers recently announced a proposed plan to raze the Garden Garage on Lomsaney Way and replace the structure with a new mixed-use development. The new complex would consist of two towers with up to 500 rental units and ground-floor retail and underground parking. Equity is expected to initiate the formal city development review process this fall.