Housing Headlines

CARLISLE --- After nearly two years of discussions, the local zoning board of appeals has approved a comprehensive permit, giving East Boston-based non-profit NOAH the go-ahead to build 26 units of rental housing for seniors. According to plans, 22 units are expected to be affordable.

With more developers abandoning 55-and-over projects before construction even begins, MetroWest communities are taking a look at decisions made by towns like Northborough, which after 18 months of debate, voted to allow a stalled over-55 development proceed without age restriction.

CHELSEA --- With the non-profit Chelsea Neighborhood Developers taking the lead on the affordable housing side and Mitchell Properties handling the development of market-rate housing, a former industrial site now known as the Box District has been revitalized with new rental and homeownership housing. Developers are now planning the final phase and are slated to go before city this summer for necessary permits.

NEWTON --- After hearing concerns from his disabilities committee, Mayor Setti Warren will not allow the non-profit CAN-DO to redevelop a Commonwealth Ave. property into a home for veterans until the developer takes steps to make the project handicapped accessible. The city is supporting the project with $375,000 in CPA funds and CAN-DO Executive Director Josephine McNeil said federal and state laws do not require accessibility for small projects, and holding up the project would keep the intended occupants homeless for a longer period of time.

PROVINCETOWN --- Higher than usual tenant turnover and an inability to keep up with required maintenance due in part to budget cuts have caused five Provincetown Housing Authority units to remain vacant, despite long waiting lists for affordable units.

BELLINGHAM --- Noting that the zoning board of appeals' public hearing on a proposed 100-unit 40B housing proposal raised the issue of increased traffic, the planning board has suggested that Fafard Real Estate, the developer of the proposed Silver Lake Estates, put in a traffic light. The planning board's suggestion is not binding and the traffic light would have to be stipulated as a condition by the ZBA and approved by the state.