Housing Headlines

IPSWICH --- Developer John Bruni will appeal the Zoning Board of Appeal's decision to grant him a Ch. 40B comprehensive permit, saying the town's OK of 150 mixed-income apartments has made his Essex Pastures development uneconomic. Bruni had proposed to redevelop his Essex Road commercial property into 194 apartments and will appeal the decision to the state's Housing Appeals Committee. (Note: MHP provided the developer with a project eligibility letter, which developers must obtain to apply for a Ch. 40B permit).

WATERTOWN --- Anticipation over the imminent opening of more housing at Arsenal Yards is being tempered by rising real estate prices. In a recent story on Watertown real estate, it was reported that in the last six months, 56 single-family homes were sold for an average price of $864,000 and 164 condos sold for an average price of $664,000.

NORWELL --- A plan by Northland Residential to turn four single family lots into 56 mixed-income apartments for people 55 and older is facing stiff opposition from residents who are concerned about density, more traffic, building heights and more water usage that one resident said could threaten the ability of residents to take showers and water their lawns.

NEWTON --- In an effort to keep residents informed about local projects, the City of Newton has added an interactive map to the city web site. Called Interactive Newton Network, the map will update residents on ongoing local projects, including affordable housing. "This map will be live and updated as projects progress and as new projects are initiated," said Mayor Ruthanne Fuller.

HARWICH --- The Harwich housing trust took a key step recently, purchasing 13 acres from the Marceline Family Trust for $800,000. Known as "Jimmy Marceline's cow yard," there are no plans on exactly what will be built yet, but the spirit of the transaction indicates the land will be used for affordable housing. “Jimmy (Marceline) and I knew each other and I knew how he felt about affordable housing," said Donald Howell, chairman of the town's housing trust. "It’s a wonderful conclusion to have something I know Jimmy would be proud of doing.”

WINCHESTER --- The town's attempt to convey a parking lot to a developer who would build mixed-income apartments next to the downtown MBTA station took a step back on June 22 as Town Meeting voters denied selectmen permission to sell the land by a vote of 2681 opposed versus 2614 in favor. The vote rescinds a May vote in which residents gave permission to the selectmen to negotiate a sale to Civico Development.