Housing Headlines

MARION --- The ZBA recently approved Maple Ridge Development LLC's proposal to construct 15 three-bedroom homes on a new road with two cul-de-sacs. Of the 15 houses in the River Viewing Landing development, four will be designated as affordable.

HANOVER --- Developer Hanover Woods, LLC recently proposed the new construction of a 152-unit rental complex adjacent to Route 3 and Route 53. The project has been submitted under the state's Chapter 40B comprehensive permit law thereby designating at least 20 percent of the units as affordable.

WESTBORO --- Developer Francis P. Zarette recently proposed a mixed-used development off Route 9 that would contain 172 units of rental housing. The apartments units would consist of 86 one-bedroom apartments and 86 two-bedroom apartments with ten percent of the units designated as affordable. The Board of Selectmen has recommended the project for approval to the ZBA.

EAST BOSTON --- The ZBA recently approved East Boston Community Development Corporation's affordable rental project proposal at 170 Maverick Street. The EBCDC proposes the new construction of a three-story building with 27 units of affordable rental housing. The building's occupants will be determined by an affordable housing lottery after construction is complete.

MELROSE --- Developer Caritas Communities Inc. recently completed the rehabilitation of a former nursing home into 14 SRO units on Vine Street. The rehab included converting 10,000 square feet of the former MacKenzie Nursing Home into 14 single rooms with private bathrooms and a common kitchen area. The project received funding from the state Department of Housing and Community Development and the North Suburban Consortium.

EASTON --- Beacon Communities Development recently reached a tentative agreement to purchase the former Ames shovel factory from private developers George and Robert Turner. Beacon plans to turn the complex into 119 apartments along with a museum, a self-guided walking tour, and a 1.5-acre public park. The Community Preservation Committee will hear the developer's full plans in December but several selectmen have already indicated that they support the plan.