Housing Headlines

WALTHAM --- Due to increased need during COVID-19, a Waltham-based nonprofit has broadened its scope in providing assistance to low-income tenants. Since last year, WATCH CDC has distributed $370,000 in grants for rent, utilities, food, and other needs, helped more than 350 apply for state or city rent assistance and has launched an education campaign that urges tenants to seek rent assistance rather than move out of their apartment. The effort builds upon WATCH's established housing clinic, which assists 300-500 households a year.

NORWELL --- At spring Town Meeting, residents defeated an effort to bring more affordable housing to Norwell, voting 297-138 to approve a citizen’s petition directing the Select Board to designate 6.3 acres of town land behind the Wildcat Hill subdivision as conservation land. Norwell’s Community Housing Trust had pursued having the land developed into 24-units of mixed-income housing, in accordance with a 2004 Town Meeting vote that it be used for affordable housing.

BROCKTON --- Since the state's eviction moratorium ended in October, landlords have filed over 265 eviction cases, with nearly half since the first week of February, according to a report by the Brockton Enterprise based on from the Massachusetts Trial Courts.

ARLINGTON --- With federal money and a grant from the Community Preservation Act Committee, the Town of Arlington is announcing a third round of rental assistance funding for income-eligible households that have been impacted by COVID-19.

BOSTON --- The Zoning Board of Appeal rejected a proposal to replace a crumbling 10-unit building with 23 apartments for homeless families after residents in the Wales St. neighborhood voiced concern that the new building would not include any parking for any of the formerly homeless residents who might have cars.

AMHERST --- In reaction to a petition drive seeking a six-month moratorium on building permits for residential buildings of three units or more, the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce is seeking signatures on a statement that is against the moratorium, arguing it would be detrimental to the town's economic growth.