Housing Headlines

SOUTHBOROUGH --- Developer Robert Heavey recently proposed the construction of 16 homebuyer units off Oak Hill Road at Route 9. The 40B project would consist of five duplex units and two, three-unit buildings, with four units designated as affordable. The local zoning board of appeals is currently reviewing the project and will conduct a public meeting in October.

SCITUATE --- Developer Merrill Diamond recently submitted an informal proposal to build an affordable housing project on the former Pier 44 site. The 40B project, proposed under a local-initiative process involving input from town officials, will feature two 14-unit buildings with six or seven units reserved as affordable.

WESTPORT --- A local co-housing group recently announced plans to propose the construction of 24 units of housing on three acres in or near Central Village. The co-housing spokeswoman Elaine Ostroff said the group envisions, "a small-scale neighborhood created with the active involvement of the people who want to live there." The 40B project would designate six homebuyer units as affordable. Proponents will hold a public meeting at the Macomber Community House on August 20 to present their plans and answer questions.

CAMBRIDGE --- Homeowner's Rehab Inc. recently presented plans for the construction of a 40-unit affordable rental project to the city Planning Board. The 40 apartments will be housed in two buildings: a 34-unit four-story building and a six-unit three-story building. Residents have expressed concern about the density and design of the complex. The next Planning Board meeting will take place on Tuesday, Aug. 18 at 7:30 p.m. in the second floor meeting room at City Hall Annex located at 344 Broadway.

AMHERST --- An affordable housing project that has endured eight years of legal challenges recently received building permits and tentatively announced construction plans to begin next year. The 26-unit Butternut Farm complex will consist of three one-bedroom apartments with monthly rents from $391 to $618, 14 two-bedroom units with rents from $466 to $818, and nine three-bedrooms with rents for about $983. Seventy percent of the units will be reserved for people who live or work in Amherst. The next ZBA hearing will take place on Tuesday, August 25.

BRIDGEWATER --- The town's Four Building Study Implementation Committee recently voted to endorse an affordable senior housing plan on the former site of a historic school building. The plan, submitted by the Stratford Capital Group LLC, calls for 63 units of affordable rental housing including studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units. The complex will also feature a fitness center, a continuing education classroom, a gathering room, a community lounge and a theatre.